CVC & Collectables presents this 2nd-1st Centuries BC Attica Athens AR Tetradrachm, minted in Athens between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, represents the New Style coinage that emerged after Athens’ classical era. Graded Choice Very Fine (CH VF) by NGC, this coin exhibits strong details, moderate wear, and impressive eye appeal, making it a valuable example of Hellenistic-era Greek coinage.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Athens, Attica (Ancient Greece)
- Date Range: 2nd-1st Centuries BC
- Denomination: Tetradrachm
- Composition: Silver
- Weight:Â 16.45 g
- Diameter: 29-34 mm
- Edge: Irregular, as typical for ancient hand-struck coinage
- Grade: NGC CH VF (Choice Very Fine) — Well-struck with strong remaining detail and light wear.
Obverse:
- Design: The goddess Athena, wearing a crested Attic helmet, adorned with a griffin or floral scrolls.
- Symbolism: Athena was the patron deity of Athens, representing wisdom, war, and protection.
- Style: More lifelike and intricate than earlier “Old Style” Athenian tetradrachms, reflecting Hellenistic artistic influences.
Reverse:
- Design: Owl standing on an amphora, facing right, with its head turned forward.
- Accompanying Features:
- Olive wreath surrounding part of the design.
- Greek inscriptions: ΑΘΕ (Athens), denoting the city-state.
- Control Marks & Magistrate Names: The amphora and additional symbols indicate the minting authority and year of issue.
Historical Significance:
- The New Style Tetradrachms were introduced around 165 BC following Athens’ decline after the Peloponnesian War.
- Unlike the classical “Owl” tetradrachms, these coins featured more elaborate designs, artistic depth, and magistrates’ names, signifying a shift in Athens’ governance and coin production.
- By this period, Athens was under Roman influence, though it maintained cultural and economic importance in the Hellenistic world.
Collectibility:
This New Style Athenian Tetradrachm is a highly sought-after coin for collectors. With its CH VF grade, this tetradrachm retains crisp details and strong eye appeal, making it a desirable and historically important piece. A stunning example of Athens’ lasting influence, reflecting both artistic evolution and economic power in the ancient world! Find more alike here!
