The iconic “owl coin” refers to the ancient Athenian silver tetradrachm, one of the most famous and widely circulated coins of the ancient world . Here’s a breakdown of its features and significance:
- Obverse (front): Depicts the helmeted head of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. Athena’s helmet often features olive leaves, symbolizing the olive tree (a gift from Athena and representing peace and prosperity), [according to Coin Replicas].
- Reverse (back): Features an owl, Athena’s sacred animal and symbol of wisdom, insight, and keen perception. The owl is typically accompanied by an olive twig and the inscription “ΑΘΕ”, an abbreviation of “ΑΘΗΝΑΙΩΝ,” meaning “of the Athenians”. A crescent moon also appears on some coins, which may commemorate the Greek victory in the Battle of Salamis or Marathon or relate to the owl’s nocturnal nature.
- Symbol of Athenian power and culture: The Athenian tetradrachm reflected the city’s political and economic dominance during its golden age.
- Wide circulation and influence: These coins became a de facto international currency due to their consistent quality and weight, facilitating trade and cultural exchange throughout the ancient world.
- Iconic design: The Athenian owl coin is arguably the most recognizable ancient coin today, [says Quora] . It popularized the concept of putting a deity’s head on one side and an animal symbol on the other, influencing later coinage designs, including potentially inspiring Theodore Roosevelt’s efforts to redesign American coinage, [according to APMEX].
- Connection to Athena: The owl, a symbol of wisdom, insight, and vigilance, reinforced Athena’s role as the city’s patron and represented Athenian values.
What is the significance of the owl in Athens?
The owl was Athena’s sacred bird and thus symbol of both the goddess and the city of Athens, which explains why it was chosen to decorate a public building, such as the Odeion of Perikles.
How much is the Greek owl euro coin worth?
Good point! Coins minted in 2020 and 2021 are reportedly selling for around 30 euros, while those from 2013 can fetch up to 50 euros, provided they are in mint condition. The owl’s connection to the goddess Athena and its continued status as a symbol of Athens adds to the coin’s allure.