![]() ![]() For that reason, many of the surviving tetradrachm and their imitations have such a cut. To ascertain if the coin was solid silver or plated, the tester would slash it. This man would determine the authenticity of coins, discarding the fakes but keeping in circulation the authentic ones and the imitations that had the correct weight and silver content. In 375 BC Athens instituted a “tester” of coins that sat in the Agora. It is common for collectors to possess an (ancient) counterfeit coin, of the proper weight and silver content. Then there are also counterfeited plated coins. ![]() The owl’s presence on Athena's shoulder also represented her patronage and authority over the nation – signifying strength in their defense and justice in their courts.Īthena was associated with wisdom, intelligence, and military strategy.įar flung areas imitated the Athenian coins. Which deity does an owl on a coin represent?Īs mentioned, owl coins represent the Greek goddess Athena, who was the patron goddess of Athens. Its influence has appeared in pottery, architecture, statues, and art. The owl remained a powerful symbol in Greek culture for centuries. The owl was also considered to be a good luck charm, thought to bring good fortune to those who carried it. This was thought to represent a deeper understanding of the world, and the owl was therefore considered to be a wise bird.īesides the owl and inscription, a wreath of olive leaves and crescent moon were added sometime around 480 BCE. Why is the owl the symbol of wisdom? Because it is a nocturnal bird and was believed to have the ability to see in the dark. The reverse of the coin featured an image of an owl, which was the symbol of Athens, along with the inscription "Ἀθηναίων", meaning "of the Athenians”.Īccording to Greek mythology, the owl was considered symbolic of intelligence, wisdom, vigilance, and strength – attributes that were all valued by the ancient Athenian city-state. She features a characteristic almond-shaped eye and a stunning decorative scroll on her helmet. The obverse of the tetradrachm featured the head of Athena, who was the patron goddess of the city of Athens. ![]() Although the style evolved, the coins retained the same basic design over centuries. Moreover, owls became the standard throughout the ancient world, not merely Athens. This popularity caused their design to remain nearly identical for centuries, even though other city-states were experimenting with more intricate designs.Įxamine the symbolism and legend behind itĪs you’ve now seen, these coins feature both an owl and a woman: the Goddess Athena. The coins were used to finance the Parthenon and Acropolis as well as several wars. The coin weighs approximately 17.2 grams (per 0.6 ounce) which makes it heavier than 3 US quarters. Aside from the imagery and relief of the coin, this feature makes them an impressive and heavy coin to behold.Īthenians minted these coins prolifically using its own silver mines. Hence one tetradrachm is equivalent to four drachmae. “Tetra” comes from Greek τετρα meaning four. ![]() The coin type of these coins is called a “tetradrachm”. Among others, we will discuss the appearance of the coin, its meaning, how authenticity was checked and its value, both in the past and now.Īthenian "owls," as they were called, were minted in Athens for over four hundred years, beginning in the 510s BCE. The scope of this blog is limited, focusing on the most popular period: 450 - 404 BCE. There is much to say about these coins, and the changes that were made over the centuries in which they were produced. These coins have captured the imagination of many, including President Roosevelt who carried one with him. Not only were these coins used as currency in ancient Athens between 510 BC and 38 BC, but they were also widely circulated throughout the Greek world and beyond. The Athenian owl coin is a famous ancient Greek coin featuring the symbol of wisdom - the owl. ![]()
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