Sometimes a coin comes around that causes everything to click. This is one such coin, an imitative Attica tetrdrachm that I believe is from Gaza. This example came to me by way of an Israeli coin dealer who specializes in coin hoards, among other things. It is among my favorite imitative tetradrachms. This coin is in as found condition, quite encrusted. The style of Athena's profile is decidedly not Athenian, and is more in keeping with Gaza or some other locality in Philistia. Notable is the treatment of the eye, nose and lips. The owl, with its oversized eyes, the large crescent moon and the thick lettering of the ethnic also indicate a non-Athenian origin. There's also some graffiti on the reverse, plus a possible symbol to the left of the ethnic. The weight is 17.2 grams. I give it the grade of VF overall. The coin could use a very light cleaning, but the original hoard surface needs to be kept intact. Once this is done I will send another set of images, and in better quality as well!
So genuine and live. Those ancient "imitations" represent the early spread of ancient coinage or Economic Civilization. Congrats..
Great coin, it's also great to see one in original as found condition that hasn't been cleaned sparkling pristine. Congrats.
robinjojo, That is a fascinating coin & your attribution seems likely ! The many copies of Athenian Tets from Arabia have a completely different treatment of the obverse. I'd love to see the coin with some of the heavy dirt removed .
