Athenian Owl Tetradrachms

Actually, I like the drachms and fractionals and might buy one of those before a tetradrachm, if I found the right one at the right price. They are far less common.

I guess there's something to be said for having a classical owl tet though. It really is one of the most recognizable coins of antiquity.

 

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I fell in love with the owl when I was a child, before I knew that it was a coin.

 

Mine has been TESTED and is a TRUE Athenian Owl!




Ancient traders pounded Bankers' Marks to ensure it was silver, and to let everyone know that this was a true Owl.

It seemed most bankers marks were on the Owl, as that was to "insult" the Athenians. Many times there was a chop between the Owl's eyes.

However, it was bad luck to punch Athena, as she was a Goddess in the Greek world, and you did not want to anger her... So, since these Tets are punched in Athena's face, they were possibly tested outside the Greek world at that time...

 

Here are 4 Tetradrachma's with the price I paid:

One genuine with a serious testcut $200



One genuine with a minor testcut $1000




2 fake ones with underweight of 12 gram instead of the correct weight of around 17 gram.

 

I have two, one I sent to NGC to see what tthey would do.



This one has the right weight, right silver content (used a metal analyzer) , and the right size. I brought it to a coin show and three dealers who specialize in ancient coins offered to buy it from me.

 

Super posts everyone!!

I'll pile on with one I purchased a couple of months ago---a budget version with the archaic Athena; 16.95 gram, 25mm, circa 449-413 BC

 

Well since we are all piling on...

I love these types

 

Wow, Curtismo ... that's a tough act to follow!!

Here is my humble, carved-up lil' fella ...




... don't let them push you around, sweetie ...

You're an ugly duckling with extreme inner beauty!!

 

I can't claim this coin as mine. It belongs to a friend whose small collection I have been selling off for him. I'm sure he will not mind me posting a picture of it though.

 

Yes, taking your time is the main thing, especially because there are thousands of them on the market. It's not the kind of stuff you want to jump on in a wink because it is so rare that it would be now or never !

Here's the one my wife gifted me with last year, from CNG



ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm
Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye
Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, all within incuse square. ΑΘΕ in the right field
24mm, 17.08 g, 8h
Ref : Kroll # 8; HGC # 4,1597

Q

 

You are a lucky, lucky man, Q That's such a wonderful example of a classical era owl tet!!

 

Yes, and moreover I'm conscious and grateful, she's just wonderful in every way

Q

 

Then she is an equally lucky woman

 

I think I'd better share my owl Tet with all my coin-friends.

 

My experience on these... the first thing I look for are the dimples under the tail feathers.

Your examples are missing these dimples.

 

Sadigh and its owner, Merdad (currently Americanizing to Michael), is the most notorious purveyor of fakes in the world. As far as I know everything I have ever seen is fake. Outright. He is well known to collectors and dealers of antiquities in general but less known by coin collectors. He has been selling fakes successfully for a few decades. He gets away with it because when confronted he will issue a rapid refund with no questions. He also threatens to sue anyone for libel if he is discussed publicly (like here) but he is all bark and no bite. Many have invited him to sue but he never does as he knows he will have to admit his items are fake.

 

Here are some owls I have since purchased. All from reputable auction houses in live auctions.

 

FORVM is totally trustworthy! Joe (Sermarini) has a stellar reputation and will go above and beyond to assist a customer.

 

How true !

Q