Athenian Owl Tetradrachm
Also known as: Owl, Glaux
Well documentedSupported by multiple reputable specialist catalogues or publications.
Period
c. 5th–4th century BC
Issuing entity
Athens (Classical)Silver tetradrachm of classical Athens showing the helmeted head of Athena and, on the reverse, an owl with olive sprig and the legend AΘE.
Historical context
Struck from silver of the Laurion mines, the type circulated widely across the Aegean and Levant and was extensively imitated outside Attica.
Physical characteristics
- Metal
- Silver
- Denomination
- Tetradrachm
Technical characteristics
- Striking
- Hand-struck from engraved dies
Design
- Obverse
- Helmeted head of Athena facing right
- Reverse
- Owl standing right, olive sprig and crescent, legend AΘE
Identification
- Caution
- Eastern and Levantine imitations of this type are numerous; style and fabric must be assessed by a specialist
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Weight standard and diameter ranges to be transcribed from a standard reference
- Series subdivisions (archaic, mass, pi-style) to be recorded with catalogue citations