The Stack’s Bowers Galleries New York International Numismatic Convention Auction is now online, and here we preview lot 68, an Archaic Athenian Tetradrachm. This lovely coin is among the first coinage struck during the “Classical Age” of Athenian history, beginning just after Cleisthenes helped to establish the famous Athenian Democracy. Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization, nourished culture, philosophy, history and art during this early period, and this intensified during the later “Golden Age.” This coin, struck around 500 – 482 B.C., provides an early look into the evolution of the Athenian Owl Tetradrachm. In addition to its vast historical significance, this example is remarkably preserved especially considering it is over 25 centuries old.
Setting a precedent that would continue for hundreds of years, this archaic Athenian Tetradrachm displays a pattern that the City-State of Athens would utilize. An effigy of their patron deity, Pallas Athena graces the obverse. Credited as the goddess of wisdom, righteous warfare and civilization, one of Athena’s many symbols includes an owl representing wisdom. The Silver Tetradrachm of Athens featured the head of Athena facing right, wearing an Attic style helmet. Common imagery of the later styles of Athenian Tetradrachms can be found on this type, including the winding coil of hair protruding from the back of Athena’s helmet and the circular earring. The horse hair plume (which is normally off the flan even in later styles) can be viewed in its entirety, the design of which is impeccable, especially the ornamented design attaching the plume to the helmet. A sharp strike makes this a remarkable obverse, yet the truly exceptional design is saved for the reverse.
The reverse exhibits the Owl of Athena. This particular owl is a little more regal than the later reverse designs from Athens. The owl’s back is nearly vertical from its head to the edge of its wing. The head of the owl is upright and exhibits admirable craftsmanship. In the left hand field appears an olive sprig, also a symbol of the goddess Athena, and according to some myths it was Athena’s gift of an olive tree (representing peace and prosperity) to the city that earned her their unwavering devotion. The ethnic “AOE” appears in the right field, an abbreviation whose longer form translates to “of the Athenians.” This entire design is found within an incuse square pattern. The incuse for this piece is particularly high, allowing for a remarkable level of preservation. This is an extraordinary example, complete with a sharp strike, high relief and impeccable. The metal quality is superb, and attractive old toning enhances the classical beauty of this gorgeous archaic Athenian Tetradrachm.
Look for this and other ancient and world numismatic rarities in our upcoming official auction of the January New York International Numismatic Convention. Preview this impressive coin along with the rest of our auction this December at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries office located in Irvine, California. For details please refer to the Events Calendar link at www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please call 800.458.4646. While our Stack’s Bowers Galleries January New York International Numismatic Convention Auction is no longer open for consignments, we are taking consignments of ancient and world coins for our official auction of the August 2015 ANA World’s Fair of Money and our April 2015 Hong Kong Showcase Auction of Asian Coins and Currency. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
