Attica Athens OWL Silver Tetradrachm NGC MS 5x4

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Attica, Athens
c. 440-404 BC
NGC MS 5x4
silver Tetradrachm
obv Athena
rv owl, olive spray, moon

Around 520bc, Athens a dominate power at the time, began to produce the Attica, Athens Tetradrachm. Our coin, minted in Athens circa 440-404 BC, were known as "Owls" in ancient times. The design of the Athenian Tetradrachm remained unchanged for most of the 5th century. The Owl had gained the trust of the laborers, soldiers, and merchants for their silver purity and popularity. They are still widely known by that term today, the owl depicted upon the Athenian Tetradrachm is the “Minerva Owl”.
The owl, as a symbol for wisdom, was the mascot of Athena, and frequently accompanies the goddess as this coin demonstrates. According to myth, Athena, goddess of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens, even had the ability to take the form of an owl. The reverse depicts a standing owl within an incuse square, head facing forward, with a crescent moon and olive spray, and “ΑΘΕ”, (of the Athenians). Athena is featured on the obverse wearing a helmet with floral scroll and three olive leaves.
This well preserved ancient silver coin is approximately the size of quarter but twice its thickness and is graded Mint State with additional grading of 5 out of 5 for strike, and 4 out of 5 for surface quality. All of our ancient coins are certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC Ancients).
This Ancient coin is #10 in the Top 100 Greatest Ancient Coins book, page 28.