Hi...I collect Starr group owls. Since I'm about the only person I know who's even heard of these (except the dealers that sold them to me!), I just thought I'd post a few "latest discoveries" simply to share, and hopefully hear from others who share this interest. I apologize for the "quality" of the pics--still can't figure out the camera. Anyway, I suppose I'm not the only owl collector who has spent significant time trying to identify either die matches or at least stylistic similarities with the Starr plate coins. After the latest study session, I now think I probably have three matches in my collection(!) First, let's look at what was catalogued as a Starr IV, undoubtedly because of the style of the owl, but what I think it actually one of the first Group Vs--a transitional from IV to V Owl collectors will notice the die break behind Athena's neck, at the base of her helmet, and a diagnostic raised "line" below her chin. I think these two characteristics make an obverse die match to Starr 162; here is that example: The reverse of my coin does not seem to be a match with any Starr coin; the leaves and berry appear to be "floating" in the upper left corner, without any stems or other connection to be found! Has anyone else ever seen this die--and the obverse die for that matter? Next up is a Starr V that I thought would be too difficult to ID--the coin has definitely "been through the wars" as you can see: I've not been able to match the reverse die, but look closely at the obverse--because of the test cuts, punches, dings, etc., it took me a long time to notice the dagger-shaped die break under Athena's chin. But now take a look at Starr 179: Between that die break, and the matching position of the palmette, I think it's a match...any other opinions? Lastly, I recently purchased this Starr V: Again, I pored over the Starr plates several times, not finding a match, until I noticed Starr 187: Admittedly, I'm less sure of an obverse match on this one. I think my coin displays Starr's Group V.B series (3) "unusual treatment of the hair by the ear, which comes around wellnigh horizontally to the ear" (p. 55), and also has Athena's "heavy, schematic appearance." But notice the die "breaks" at the front and lower middle of Athena's eye, as well as the style of her lips; they seem to match between my coin and Starr's. I am, however, a tad "concerned" over the comparison of the angle of the olive leaves in Athena's helmet, but my coin is turned slightly upwards to the right in my photo; if it were placed at the same position as Starr's, they may be the same. Also, the die on Starr's coin appears to be in really bad shape; perhaps the leaves might even have been recut, although I don't know if that was ever done, or is possible. Does anyone else have an opinion? At any rate, it's interesting to try and find die matches...I would really enjoy hearing from other owl collectors about their Starr coins, and any successes in finding matches.......
You obviously know more about these than I do. I do not collect them, but, like most collector's of Ancients, I had to get at least one. It is rather ugly as compared to coins you showed, but it is what I have. ATTICA ATHENS AR Tetradrachm OBVERSE: Helmeted head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor & a spiral palmette on the bowl; eye in profile REVERSE: AQE, owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig & crescent behind Struck at Athens 350-300 BC 16.9g, 22mm sg2537 I also own a poor quality new style Athenian Owl: ATHENS ATTICA AR Tetradrachm OBVERSE: Helmeted head of Athena right REVERSE: Owl standing right, head facing, on overturned amphora; to left, eagle standing right on thunderbolt; Gamma on amphora, ΗΡΑ in exergue; all within laurel wreath Struck at Athens Epigene-, Sosandros and Eume(nes)-, magistrates 127/26 BC 16.8g, 30mm Thompson 477a
OP, you are not the only one to know Starr coins. I personally know quite a few collectors and dealers fairly well versed in these transition coins. I actually was shown a superlative example by Harlan Berk on a trip there a few years ago, along with a ton of other "goodies" like FDC Gordian I and II sestertii. Anyway, I am not a collector of them myself, but I own the book and I know what they are. You are not as alone as maybe you think you are.
I acquired mine from Harlan Berk which might be the same one you saw. I love the owl of this particular die and waited for quite some time until I found the "right" coin for me: I'll wait to post further information and leave it up to the enterprising cataloger to find the attribution
It might be sir, both are spectacular specimens. I actually think that coin earned me points in his eyes, recognizing it to be a Starr transitional specimen. He then showed me things like a Constantine XI silver, (last byzantine emperor, extremely rare), and a goblet from the royal dinner set of Philip II. Mr. Berk has a reputation for running hot or cold, but he was spectacularly hospitable to me that day, something I will never forget.
My experience with Starr was getting the book many years ago before I realized that I would never have a coin included in it. I find it amazing that you found any links at all considering the scarcity of material. I can add nothing other than to ask if you have compared your coins to the plates in Svoronos? I'm not sure how much of his dating or grouping is considered to have any value today. Questions: Are the long, thin horizontal cuts characteristic of the period or were your first two coins found together? Have you done anything with smaller coins? I would enjoy hearing opinions on the dating of my three feather obol.
*welcome, elgeedublu* => thanks for the great owl show (very cool examples ... very interesting coins)
Hi. I absolutely know what you're saying, but I'd like to comment on your response. Of course I have no way of knowing your experience with owls. But I found that over time, and with study, test cuts for me "almost" became a non-issue. First of all, instead of viewing them strictly visually, I came to appreciate them as part of the history of the coins I was holding in my hand. I tried to imagine who took the chisel to the coins, and where, and why--a merchant in Egypt, or Syria, perhaps? Was it done as part of a small business transaction on the spot, or as part of the acceptance of a great number of coins for a shipload of grain, for example? The point I'm trying to make is that once I tried to imagine the circumstances, the actual cuts became much less problematic. I think that with increased familiarity with test cuts (most of my owls have them) comes the ability to almost "see past them" and appreciate the underlying coin, and its history, instead of just seeing an owl with an unsightly gash in it. Plus--test cut owls will save you a ton of money! Thanks again for your reply.
Hi Bing...I certainly wouldn't call your coins ugly! Your "eye-in-profile" owl is better than many! Although I've not studied them, I understand that these owls from the fourth century BC are a fascinating series in their own right. And one of these days I'd like to get a new-style owl. It looks like the reverse on yours is pretty high-relief--are the owl's eyes usually that pronounced on these? And of course having the Greek, and names, on the reverse is fascinating...thanks for sharing!
Hi Joe...yep, an owl like that definitely gets my attention! I love deep, "squishy" reverses such as this, and this style is fantastic. I once owned one kind of like this; it is the Starr plate coin #202; here is the reverse: It pains me deeply to know it's not in my tray any more....but if it ever comes up for sale again, look out......at any rate, yeah, I'm trying to find a match for your coin in Starr; right away, the owl's "upturned" back claw, the missing or shortened top bar in the Epsilon, and something--small die break?--above the owl's back, under the bottom leaf, look like distinguishing features...no match immediately seen, but I wouldn't be surprised if its in there! Thanks for the pic; great specimen!
Hi (Doug?) Thanks for your reply. I've not laid out my coins next to a copy of Svoronos and "had at it"--I only have the reprint, and it is hard to see much detail in the plates, frankly. I think Svoronos' dating and in many cases his sequences is/are generally quite far off from what I've read that is of more recent date. I've enjoyed seeing page after page of owls in the book, but what with Starr, online research, etc., I haven't used Svoronos very much as a real resource per se. Regarding my coins, I think they were found together; at least, I obtained them from the same source. I suspect that is why the somewhat unusual thin, long test cuts are placed similarly on the two coins. Lastly, no--I am completely unfamiliar with Athenian "fractions"--but I would enjoy trying to look them up! It is interesting that the smaller size led to the design of just one leaf on the twig. And no moon!.....hmmm.....I will try to post something if I can look these up! Thanks....
The only owls I've owned were very worn and all countermarked/chopped. Nicely toned, though. I bought them for 80 bucks each from a gold buyer who probably didn't know the value (yes, I just told him to give me all the ones he had). I sold them all for around 175-225 a piece at a show when I was in a pinch for money. I've yet to purchase an owl but I'm going to buy something really nice that stands out when I do. Hopefully archaic, classic and new style eventually. I haven't heard of these, however. Is it just referring to the attribution and the person who idenified the variety?
Hi Rick..."Starr" refers to Chester Starr, who I believe was a professor of classics in Michigan...anyway, his book "Athenian Coinage 480-449 B.C." pretty much laid out the sequence of owls from just after the Persian Wars (and Athens' archaic coinage) down to the issuance of "standard" owls. Although most people now think his dating of the coins are 5-10 years off (based on subsequent hoard finds), his basic 5 groups and sub-groups are still used for coins from this period. Some collectors think Starr owls are the most attractive of Athenian coins; there are significant style differences from the standard owls, for example. Anyway, reprints of Starr's book are easily found on all the usual book sites for around 25 bucks or so, while an original copy (which you will want should you become interested in these coins; the plates are better) run around $125-$200 depending on condition. Good luck!
Speakin' of cool & attractive test-cuts ... => Arrrrr, Matey => kinda like shark-bite scars!!? ... yup, here is my mega-posted "Imitative Owl" from Egypt or Syria (well, according to David Sear's authenticity certificate) Sure, this may not be a Starr, but this lil' sweetie is a star in my coin-fault!! => whooot-woooo!! ... actually, I'm extremely happy with this coin's test cuts (I'm a stinkin' engineer, so I'm all about symmetry and proper angles, etc, etc ... so the fact that this coin's butcher thought to make them run along the trend-lines makes me love this lil' dawgie!!)
