ATTICA, Athens. Circa 165-42 BC. AR Tetradrachm (30mm, 16.62 g, 12h). New Style coinage.

Description

Attica, Athens Tetradrachm – New Style Coinage

Date: Circa 165-42 BC
Weight: 16.62 g
Diameter: 30 mm
Orientation: 12h
Magistrates: Eumareides, Kleomen–, and Ask–
Struck: 113/2 BC
NGC Grading: AU (Almost Uncirculated)

Obverse:

• Design: Head of Athena Parthenos facing right, wearing a single-pendant earring and a triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos and a floral pattern.
• Details: Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, is depicted as Parthenos, emphasizing her virginity and purity. The helmet decorations symbolize her role as a protector and patroness of the city.

Reverse:

• Design: An owl standing right, head facing forward, perched on an amphora. The names of the magistrates are inscribed across the field. To the right, Tritopolemos is depicted driving a biga of serpents left. A retrograde Z is marked on the amphora, with ΣΦ below; all within a wreath.
• Details: The owl, a symbol of wisdom and the city of Athens, represents the city’s patronage and identity. The amphora signifies trade and prosperity. Tritopolemos, associated with agriculture and the spread of grain cultivation, highlights the importance of agriculture to the Athenian economy.

Historical Context:

New Style Coinage:

• Era: The New Style coinage of Athens began around 165 BC and continued until approximately 42 BC. This period marks a time of renewed economic strength and political stability for Athens.
• Purpose: These coins were part of Athens’ attempt to reassert its economic influence in the Hellenistic world. They facilitated trade and were widely accepted due to their high silver content and consistent quality.
• Design Influence: The coinage featured intricate designs and detailed imagery, reflecting the artistic and cultural renaissance in Athens during this period.

Significance of the Imagery:

• Athena Parthenos: The depiction of Athena with an elaborately decorated helmet signifies the city’s protection by the goddess and highlights the cultural importance of the Parthenon, her temple on the Acropolis.
• Owl: As a long-standing symbol of Athens, the owl reinforces the city’s identity and Athena’s wisdom. Its presence on the coin also ensured the coinage’s authenticity and reliability.
• Tritopolemos and the Biga of Serpents: This imagery emphasizes the mythological and agricultural heritage of Athens, symbolizing the spread of grain cultivation and the city’s prosperity.
• Amphora: The amphora represents the trade goods that were crucial to Athens’ economy, particularly the export of olive oil and other agricultural products.
• Wreath: The wreath encircling the reverse design signifies victory, honor, and the city’s esteemed status in the Hellenistic world.

Magistrates:

• The names of the magistrates, Eumareides, Kleomen–, and Ask–, are included to provide a record of the officials in charge of the minting process during this particular year. These names also help in dating the coin and understanding the administrative structure of Athens at the time.

For further information, please call 212 3191077.