| Aversbeschreibung |
Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing single-pendant earring, necklace, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasus in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, and a curvilinear ornament on the shell. |
| Aversschrift |
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| Averslegende |
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| Reversbeschreibung |
Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; A-ӨE above ΔΩP/OӨE /ΔIO/KΛE ΔIOΦ (magistrates’ names) in four lines across field; to right, forepart of lion right; B on amphora, ME below; all within wreath. |
| Reversschrift |
Greek |
| Reverslegende |
A ΘE ΔΩP OӨE ΔIO KΛE ΔIOΦ B ME |
| Rand |
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| Prägestätte |
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| Auflage |
ND (132 BC - 131 BC) - -
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| Numisquare-ID |
8872645790 |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by Athens between 132 and 131 BC, belongs to the prolific "New Style" coinage of the late Hellenistic era. Athens, though politically overshadowed by Rome, maintained economic vitality and cultural prominence, evidenced by its continued production of internationally recognized silver currency. Magistrates Dorotheos, Diophanes, and Diokleides were key civic officials overseeing the city's minting, ensuring the integrity and widespread acceptance of these crucial trade coins across the Mediterranean.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to Athenian New Style iconography, reflecting a refined Hellenistic aesthetic. The obverse presents an idealized head of Athena Parthenos, facing right, adorned with an Attic helmet featuring a prominent triple-crested griffin. This portrayal, rooted in classical prototypes, exhibits the softer modeling characteristic of the Hellenistic period. The reverse displays Athena's sacred owl standing right on an amphora, flanked by the magistrates' names and a distinctive prow symbol, characteristic of Thompson 384g, underscoring maritime connections.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 16.86 grams and 33 mm, this coin conforms to standard Hellenistic tetradrachm specifications. High-points for wear or strike weakness include Athena's helmet crest, her eye, and the owl's breast feathers. Strike quality of Athenian New Style issues varies, with centering often a challenge. However, the broad flan and high silver purity ensured these coins served as reliable instruments of commerce throughout the ancient world.