© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Tetradrachm 420 BC - 330 BC
| Silver | 17.0 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Egypt (ancient) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 420 BC - 330 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.0 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#373031 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Owl standing right, head facing;
in left field: an olive branch and a crescent.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΑΘΕ
Translation: Athens.
Comment
Uncertain mint, suspected as Pharonic Egyptian contemporary, imitative copy, put into trade which was frequent between Athens and Egypt. Research papers include one by T. V. Buttrey were written, but much is still not agreed upon whether these very good looking Athenian owl tets were genuine Athenian minted or Egyptian minted. More info found here: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=493205Note: the counter mark is not found on each issue, however chiseled test marks are frequent.
T. V. Buttrey Plate 21
Flament styles B, M & X
cf. Svoronos, Athenes pl. 108, 5
cf. Diebolt & Nicolet-Pierre pl. 24, 21;
Additional reading:
https://numismatics.org/pocketchange/vanderwilt/
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Tetradrachm coin from ancient Egypt is that it was used as a form of currency for trade and commerce, not only within Egypt but also across the Mediterranean region, including Greece and Rome. Its value was equivalent to four drachmas, hence the name Tetradrachm, which means "four drachmas" in Greek. The coin's design featured the image of the Egyptian goddess Isis on one side and the Greek goddess Athena on the other, symbolizing the cultural exchange and influence between the two civilizations.
