Attica, Athens Owl Tetradrachm (353-294 BC)

Obverse: Head of Athena facing right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves.  Reverse: Owl perched right, head facing, ethnic of city (AOE) to right. Olive branch and crescent moon in left field.  Late Classical-early Hellenistic periods. Condition: Very Fine

The mines of Laurion in southern Attica allowed Athens to mint enormous numbers of this highly successful prestige coin. The coin established itself as the first standard international silver coin of the ancient world.

Symbolism: The owl is associated with Athena as a symbol of her wisdom to see the whole truth.