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This striking example is a modern reissue of the famous Athenian “Owl” tetradrachm, one of the most recognizable and influential coins of the ancient world. The obverse presents the stylized profile of Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, wearing a crested Attic helmet adorned with olive leaves and spiral designs. Her dignified yet abstracted features reflect the archaic artistic conventions of Classical Athens during the 5th century BCE, a time when the city reached its peak in democracy, architecture, and philosophy under the leadership of Pericles. The reverse features Athena’s sacred owl, shown standing with one claw raised, accompanied by an olive sprig and the Greek inscription “ΑΘΕ” (short for “ΑΘΕΝΑΙΩΝ” – “of the Athenians”). This motif symbolized not only wisdom and vigilance but also Athenian economic and naval power, as this coin became an international standard across the ancient Mediterranean. Though this is not an original ancient strike, the detail and relief of this reissue make it a compelling piece for enthusiasts interested in the cultural and economic legacy of Classical Greece.

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