Lot 42

Ancient World, Athens (5th Century BC), Silver Tetradrachm, 17.04 gms, 23.51 mm, Obverse: Helmeted bust of Goddess Athena to right, Horse hair crest above helmet, Reverse: Standing figure of Owl, an olive twig at left, Letters ‘AOE’ in right field standing for ‘the Athenians’, These coins are one of the first to depict a bust, The bust is of Athena, daughter of Zeus, Athena represented wisdom and warfare, The Owl was a symbol of Athenian polis (Greek State), It was also the mascot of Athena, again symbolizing wisdom, Given its wide circulation in the ancient world, this coin is also considered to be the first international trade coin, very fine, very rare.