For more than two thousand years, the owl of Athens has been one of the most recognized symbols of the ancient world. This authentic silver Tetradrachm, hand-struck in Athens around 124/3 B.C.E., carries the enduring imagery of a civilization that shaped philosophy, democracy, art, and learning.
The obverse bears the portrait of Athena, the revered goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, wearing her distinctive triple-crested Athenian helmet. On the reverse stands her sacred companion, the owl, a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and good fortune. The owl appears beside an amphora and is encircled by oak leaves, while the inscription AOE identifies the coin as an issue of Athens.
In antiquity, Athenian tetradrachms were trusted throughout the Mediterranean and circulated across the ancient world as one of history's most influential trade coins. To hold one is to hold a tangible connection to the birthplace of classical civilization.
Struck in silver and weighing 16.0 grams, this remarkable coin has been preserved in a handcrafted 14K gold setting, transforming an extraordinary piece of ancient history into a timeless heirloom.
Hold the wisdom of ancient Athens in your hands and discover why some treasures grow more meaningful with time.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand-struck
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Denomination: Tetradrachm
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Mint: Attica, Athens
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Empire: Greek
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Date: c. 124/3 B.C.E.
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 16.0 grams
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Obverse: Bears the bust of Athena, goddess of Wisdom, facing right, wearing a triple-crested Athenian helmet.
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Reverse: Depicts an owl standing on an amphora surrounded by oak leaves with AOE across the field. Owls were considered by the Greeks to be significant, wise, and important birds. Besides being mentioned in early Greek poetry, they were associated with the goddess Athena.
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Setting: Handcrafted setting in 14K gold.
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Note: Chain may be purchased separately.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo-specific images included.
Inv# T 91034a