ATTICA, Athens – “Owl” Tetradrachm, Classical series Silver, c. 393/2 – 300 BC

ATTICA, Athens – “Owl” Tetradrachm, Classical series Silver, c. 393/2 – 300 BC.  22mm (17.17g).  22mm (17.17g). Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right, eye in profile; Attic helmet with three olive leaves and palmette; beaded border. Reverse: ΑΘΕ (“of the Athenians”) – Owl standing right, head facing; to left olive-sprig and crescent; all within deep incuse square. Svoronos, Les monnaies d’Athènes pls. 19–20 • SNG München 90 ff. • HGC 4, 1599. Even pale-grey cabinet tone with warm gold highlights; moderate high-point wear but legends and devices clear. Tight flan.

Struck after Athens regained partial autonomy in 394 BC, this late Classical tetradrachm continues the familiar “owl” design that had dominated Aegean commerce since the 5th century. The profile eye, introduced c. 475-470 BC, marks the fully Classical style, while the thick flan and incuse reverse distinguish it from the later Hellenistic “new style” coinage. Hoards show such pieces circulating widely in the Eastern Mediterranean until the mid-2nd century BC, a testament to the enduring trust placed in Athenian silver.