Ancient Athenian coins are perhaps the most famous and recognizable coins of the ancient world . They hold significant historical and numismatic importance for several reasons:
- The most iconic Athenian coin is the silver tetradrachm, known as the “Owl”.
- It typically features the helmeted head of Athena on the obverse (front) and an owl, Athena’s sacred bird and symbol of wisdom, on the reverse (back), accompanied by an olive sprig and the Greek letters ΑΘΕ, an abbreviation for “of the Athenians”.
- These coins were widely circulated and accepted as a standard currency throughout the ancient world, especially during Athens’ prominence.
- The “Owl” tetradrachms were minted for over 400 years, starting around 510 BCE.
- These coins played a significant role in ancient Athenian life and the broader Greek world, being used for large transactions, military payments, and trade.
- They may have financed the construction of important structures like the Parthenon.
- Ancient Greek coins, including those from Athens, were not just currency but also served as a form of art and propaganda.
- The designs reflected the city’s identity, deities, and values.
- The Athenian owl coin conveyed messages about the city’s power, wisdom, and peace-loving nature.
- While the tetradrachm was a significant coin, daily transactions in ancient Athens likely involved smaller denominations like the silver obol and various bronze fractional coins.
- A drachma was roughly a man’s daily wage, while a tetradrachm could buy luxuries.
- The system of denominations included the obol (one-sixth of a drachma), didrachm (two drachmas), and decadrachm (ten drachmas).
In essence, ancient Athenian coins offer a tangible link to the past, providing insights into the economic, political, and cultural aspects of one of the most influential city-states in ancient Greece.
What were ancient Athens coins called?
From my experience, A small silver coin – a drachm was a man’s average daily wage. A large silver coin – a tetradrachm would buy luxuries such as jewellery, horses or weapons. It was worth four times a man’s daily wage. From about the eighth century B.C. the Greek world was characterized by the city-state.
Are ancient Greek coins worth anything?
I can help with that. Ancient Greek coins, those in greater conditions, can be extremely valuable and, consequently, sought-after. Nevertheless, we do believe that incorporating such an instance can boost the quality and cultural significance of a collection for good.
What is the Athena coin?
Good point! Description. Incorporating the first three letters of the city name—ΑΘΕ—with then-iconic images of the patron goddess Athena and her owl, the Athenian tetradrachm was among the most widely traded and most recognizable coins of the ancient world.