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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;robinjojo, post: 8282505, member: 110226&quot;]At this point in my life, with the ongoing concerns about the pandemic, a depressing world situation, the drought (lowest snow pack in the Sierras in 70 years), a patched up face after minor surgery (not worthy of Frankenstein&#039;s monster), and just a state of general isolation, a smile comes my way.</p><p><br /></p><p>There have been numerous discussions on CT delving into the subject of style, be it Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and other ancient coins.&nbsp; The debate between style and quality, such as overall grade, is, after all, a purely subjective, personal perspective.&nbsp; Is a coin in uncirculated condition inherently preferable to one in less pristine condition, but with better &quot;style&quot;?&nbsp; In my collecting efforts over the years I, personally, lean towards style, as defined within the context of a given coinage.</p><p><br /></p><p>With Athenian coinage, the modeling of Athena&#039;s profile, and specifically getting the archaic smile right, is of great importance, especially with the early classical owls.&nbsp; As fellow CT members know, the quality can run the gambit, from the fine style of the decadrachms to the so-so styling, when portrait proportions shift in a less natural direction, as the coinage moves towards the period of high output, where speed and quantity determined, in large part, the quality of the engraving.</p><p><br /></p><p>And so here is the owl that arrived today from a troubled Europe.&nbsp; I believe it is a Starr Group III owl, circa 465 BC, but it also has characteristics of Group II owls, particularly with the wonderful archaic smile, very reminiscent of the decadrachms of Group II.&nbsp; The palmette has moved more towards the lower part of the first laurel leaf and the owl&#039;s tail a wing are just above the foot, all indications of a Starr Group III owl.&nbsp; On the other hand the laurel leaves are without stems, something that I&#039;ve seen in some Group II owls.&nbsp; So, perhaps this is one of those early Group III owls, with hints of Group II.&nbsp; I&#039;ve plenty of time to try figuring this out.</p><p><br /></p><p>For sure it is not mint state, but mint state isn&#039;t everything in my book.</p><p><br /></p><p>16.95 grams</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1462920[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>So, please post as you wish.&nbsp; I look forward to your comments and owls!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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