Modern proof coins are made with specially prepared planchets and are often struck twice by freshly polished dies. The term proof is a method of manufacture and it is not a measurement or state of preservation. That being said... In my current fantasy, this is a proof Athens’ Tet. The planchet was especially prepared & handled carefully. It was placed by hand between freshly prepared polished dies. It may well have been struck twice to impart the high relief design. Isn’t this basically the description of proof manufacture? Unfortunately, we don’t have the original Athens mint packaging and certificate of authenticity which came with the Tet You have to see this beast in-hand to fully appreciate the proof-like fields. Let’s see your ancients with proof-like fields or maybe some newly released Athena/owl Tets. Please post ‘em if you got ‘em.
Here’s a recent purchase. It appears like Athena has a feather on her cap. On the subject of Athens & Athena, can anyone recommend a book describing Athena/owl coins?
Attica, Athens AR tetradrachm Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right Rev: Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig to left, crescent behind, AΘE to right, all within incuse square Date: 454-404 BC Ref: SNG Copenhagen 31 Size: 17.19g, 24mm
Beautiful coin! I'd love to own one of these. I was actually in Athens and a few other places in Greece this summer, kept looking for a coin shop of some kind, would have bought one of these if I had the opportunity. Unfortunately I didn't even see a replica in any of the souvenir shops I looked in.
