This pendant features a rare Athenian Owl coin minted in Calabria, Taras—an important Greek city in Southern Italy during the 4th and 5th centuries B.C.E.
The obverse of this coin presents the commanding bust of Athena, the revered goddess of wisdom, adorned with a close-fitting crested helmet, intricately ornamented with Skylla, the sea monster of myth, evoking both protection and prowess in battle. On the reverse, the owl—Athena's sacred symbol—stands poised and alert. Accompanied by ancient inscriptions, this owl embodies knowledge, wisdom, and vigilance, qualities that resonated deeply within Greek society and its mythos.
About the size of a quarter, the silver coin is set in a handcrafted 14K gold frame, blending ancient artistry with contemporary elegance. This pendant not only serves as a striking piece of jewelry but also as a connection to the legacy of a storied city and the wisdom of ancient Greece.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand struck
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Denomination: Tetradrachm
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Mint: Calabria, Taras
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Empire: Greek
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Date: c. 302-281 B.C.E.
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 3.2 grams
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Obverse: Bears the bust of Athena, goddess of Wisdom facing right, wearing a close fitting crested helmet ornamented with Skylla.
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Reverse: Depicts an owl standing right with "TAP" left, club and "IOP" to right. 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 in 14K gold.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included. Chain sold separately.
Inv# A 31788
