Numismatic

Attica Athens AR Tetradrachm (2nd-1st cent. BC) Ch VF NGC 4/4

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In the ancient Mediterranean, few symbols carried as much weight and influence as the coinage of Athens. This silver tetradrachm, minted around 110 BC to 109 BC, represents the celebrated 'New Style' of Athenian coinage. Struck from 16.62 grams of silver, the coin showcases the artistic transition of the era while maintaining the iconic imagery that defined the powerful city-state. The obverse side features a detailed portrait of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, facing right. She wears an ornate helmet, and the entire portrait is framed by a delicate border of small pellets. This depiction of the city's patron deity served as a universal symbol of Athenian identity and authority across ancient trade routes. On the reverse, the famous Athenian owl stands proudly in the center, positioned atop an amphora. A lush wreath encircles the entire composition, framing the sacred bird. This specific specimen has been certified as Choice Very Fine, with both its strike and surface quality receiving high marks of four out of five, preserving a remarkable level of detail from over two millennia ago.