Electrotype Replica of Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.977)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1838–1916
With a green tint betraying its copper content, this coin is an electrotype replica created more than a century ago. It precisely replicates the form of a 2nd-century BC original.
Retaining the basic scheme of Athena and owl from earlier Athenian coinage, these “New Style” tetradrachms—as scholars call them—give the goddess a more naturalistic appearance and add an amphora, olive wreath, and magistrate names to the reverse. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1916.977: Electrotype Replica of Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse), 1838–1916. Greece (?). Silver-plated copper alloy (?); diameter: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.).
Inscribed: EYM/APEI/ΔΗΣ/ΑΛΚΙ/ΔΑΜ/ΔΙΟΝ (Eumareides [and] Alkidamos); ΑΘΕ (ATHE, indicates that this coin is from Athens); ΜΕ. Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
This silver-plated replica weighs about 12 grams, nearly 30% less than a pure silver tetradrachm.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- Silver-plated copper alloy (?)
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- Silver-plated copper alloy (?)
Design
- Inscriptions
- EYM/APEI/ΔΗΣ/ΑΛΚΙ/ΔΑΜ/ΔΙΟΝ (Eumareides [and] Alkidamos); ΑΘΕ (ATHE, indicates that this coin is from Athens); ΜΕ
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1838–1916
- Culture period
- Greece (?)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1916.977
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
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
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.