One of the advantages, if one could call it that, of having a failing memory is the joy of rediscovering a coin that was assumed to be long gone. It's almost as good as a new acquisition coming through the door. This is one such coin, a coin that is not of a feather, at least as an owl would be concerned. It is an Attica tetradrachm of the late 3rd - early 2nd centuries BC. It was acquired from Harlan Berk in the last century (impressive, isn't it?), in 1991. The features of this coin are quite unusual, and I am almost inclined to say it is not Athenian at all, but I guess it is. On the obverse, there's the expected profile eye portrait of Athena. However, her hair line is much reduced and it eventually disappears with the new style tetradrachms. The edge of the helmet has a fancy curl over the ear, and the end tendrils of the floral ornament are thick, almost resembling leaves from a tropical plant. Additionally, look at how Athena's eye opens up more, at both ends, giving the lower lid a more natural appearance. This style of eye carries on into the new style tetradrachms, with some refinements. The reverse, which is really different, does not have an owl, but a parrot! No, I guess it is an owl, or perhaps a hybrid owl-parrot (a parowlot?). The feathers are rendered a large dots, and the owl has thick lower feathers, covering the legs almost like the old flapper dresses of the 1920's. If fact, I imagine this owl would be quite good doing the Charleston. Other features: a very large crescent moon, seemingly conjoined with the olive leaves. It seems that these two elements were engraved in a single die punch. Also, the owl's eyes are decidedly un-owl like, but maybe this happens to these critters if they eat too many crackers. Harlan Berk dated this coin in very broad terms, 293-166 BC. I think it is more likely that it post dates the quadridigité tendril style of 286-262 BC and is more of an early 2nd century creation, pre-dating the "new style" tetradrachms. There is an apparent very small countermark on the upper lip of Athena, but I cannot make out what it is. Athens, Late 3rd - early 2nd centuries BC Tetradrachm Obverse: Athena facing right, countermark on cheek Reverse: Facing Owl, AOE to the right, crescent moon and olive leaves left 16.96 grams 21 mm, 12 h.
..yup...i know the feeling...(and experienced it many times)..it also goes with chaotic coin keeping. which im a professional at ..(and trying to break myself of)
I would never have guessed this was Athenian rather than an Eastern imitation. This is why we suggest buying from people like Berk rather than at a flea market.
robinjojo, This is a fascinating coin. Athena looks "Hellenized" & no longer archaic / classical in appearance. The mark near her lip is most likely a bankers mark. The "Owlet" is a shocker, & look Eastern .
So, this coin falls under the grouping of heterogeneous tetradrachms of the late 3rd century. The tetradrachms of this group were issued in smaller numbers compared to previous types, and they have a fair degree of variation in design. John Kroll mentions that the heterogeneous tetradrachms tend to have folded edges, as this coin does, consistent with earlier Athenian coins. This group is controversial (see link). Here's a link to John Kroll's paper on third century BC Athenian silver coinage. His discussion regarding the heterogeneous tetradrachms starts on page 36, II. https://www.academia.edu/6161194/On...tury_BC_Athenian_silver_coinage_RBN_104_2013_ Also, here is a photo of the coin's edge:
