ATTICA 449 BC Athens Owl Tetradrachm Pendant Mounted In 14kT Gold With COA
Mounted pendant with 400 BC Athens Owl tetradrachm
This genuine Ancient Greek silver tetradrachm was struck at the Attica mint between 449 and 413 BC, during the height of Classical Athens. One of antiquity's most celebrated coin types, it features a magnificent high-relief portrait of Athena on the obverse and the iconic standing owl on the reverse, symbols of wisdom, power, and the Athenian city-state.
The coin is exceptionally well struck and beautifully centered, displaying remarkable detail with virtually no wear on the highest points, indicative of its superb state of preservation. It is mounted in a custom hand-crafted frame fashioned in solid 14-karat yellow gold with a high-polished finish and fitted with a large suspension ring, allowing it to be worn as a pendant on a chain.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, this impressive piece combines ancient numismatic history with fine modern goldsmithing. Tetradrachms were among the largest and most important silver coins of the Classical Greek world, making this an outstanding example for both collectors and enthusiasts of ancient history. Its exceptional preservation, bold strike, and outstanding eye appeal make it a truly remarkable wearable work of art.
Athenian Owl Tetradrachm
The Athenian Owl Tetradrachm is one of the most celebrated and influential coins of the ancient world. First introduced in the late 6th century BC, it became the principal silver currency of Athens during the city's Golden Age in the 5th century BC under the leadership of Pericles. Minted from the rich silver deposits of the Laurion mines in Attica, these tetradrachms financed the expansion of the Athenian Empire, the construction of the Parthenon, and the growth of Athenian commerce throughout the Mediterranean. The obverse bears the helmeted portrait of Athena, the city's patron goddess, while the reverse depicts her sacred owl, a symbol of wisdom and vigilance, accompanied by an olive sprig and the inscription ΑΘΕ, an abbreviation for "of the Athenians." Owing to their consistent silver purity, reliable weight, and widespread acceptance, Athenian Owl tetradrachms became the dominant international trade coin of the Classical Greek world and remain among the most recognizable, historically significant, and sought-after ancient coins ever produced.
History of Ancient Attica
Ancient Attica, the historic region surrounding the city of Athens in southeastern Greece, was one of the most influential centers of the ancient world. Bordered by the Aegean Sea, its strategic coastal position fostered maritime trade, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange throughout the Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence shows that Attica was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period, with important settlements including Athens, Eleusis, and Marathon. During the 5th century BC, known as the Golden Age of Athens, Attica reached the height of its political, military, and cultural power. Under the leadership of statesmen such as Pericles, Athens became the birthplace of democracy and a leading center of philosophy, literature, architecture, and the arts. The wealth generated by the silver mines of Laurion and the bustling port of Piraeus financed monumental achievements, including the construction of the Parthenon, and established Athens as the dominant naval and commercial power of the Greek world. Religion also played a central role in Attican society. The region was home to major sanctuaries dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, as well as the celebrated Eleusinian Mysteries, sacred rites honoring Demeter and Persephone, which attracted initiates from across the ancient Mediterranean. The legacy of Attica extends far beyond antiquity. Its innovations in democratic government, philosophy, science, literature, and artistic expression profoundly shaped Western civilization. The region also gave rise to the famous Athenian Owl Tetradrachm, whose exceptional silver purity and reliable weight made it the principal international trade coin of the Classical Greek world and an enduring symbol of the power and prestige of ancient Athens.
Denomination: One silver tetradrachm; (four-drachms).
Country: Attica, Ancient Greece.
Period: 449-413 BC.
Obverse: The portrait bust of Athena in high relief facing to the right. She's wearing an elaborated war-helmet and wearing long beads earrings.
Reverse: Standing owl to the right facing forward, with AOE at the right, all inside an incused square.
Weight: Total 24.70 Grams, (17.76 Dwt). Coin 17.06 Grams; Gold frame 7.64 grams.
Measurements: 35 mm by 27 mm by 9 mm, (1.38 x 1.06 x 0.36 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the mark for the assay and warranty of the .585/.999 yellow gold, electronically tested for 14Kt yellow gold with results as follows, ".585/.999 Au".
Collateral: This Ancient Greek Attica tetradrachm pendant is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Collateral: This Ancient Greek Attica tetradrachm pendant is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity number 2021058 and dated May 4, 2021, stating the actual picture and the full description of the mounted coin.
Condition: The overall condition of this Ancient Greek Attica tetradrachm pendant is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This pendant was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P071526ACEN/.5191
