Hemidrachm (510 BC - 500 BC) front Hemidrachm (510 BC - 500 BC) back
Hemidrachm (510 BC - 500 BC) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Hemidrachm 510 BC - 500 BC

 
Silver 1.99 g 12.0 mm
Description
Issuer
Athens (Attica)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
510 BC - 500 BC
Value
Hemidrachm (½)
Currency
Drachm
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.99 g
Diameter
12.0 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#135627
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Head of Athena Ergane facing right, wearing a tainia with her hair falling in long plait and tied behind her neck. Inscription on the left, olive spray to lower right. All within incuse square.

Script: Greek

Lettering: AΘE

Interesting fact

The Hemidrachm coin was used as a form of currency in ancient Athens and was worth half of a drachma, which was the standard unit of currency at the time. The coin features an image of the owl of Athena, the patron deity of the city, on one side and an inscription of the letters "ΑΘΕ" (Athe) on the other, which stands for "of Athens." The use of the owl symbolized the importance of wisdom and knowledge in Athenian culture.