The term “Athens coin owl” refers to the ancient Athenian silver tetradrachm, which features the goddess Athena on one side (obverse) and her sacred animal, an owl, on the other side (reverse).
Here’s why this coin and its imagery are so significant:
- Symbolism:
– Athena: The patron goddess of Athens, representing wisdom, warfare, and crafts. Her helmet, often adorned with laurel leaves, symbolizes Athens’ military strength and knowledge.
– Owl: The owl was Athena’s mascot and a symbol of wisdom, vigilance, and watchfulness. It also represented Athens’ ability to succeed even in challenging times.
– Olive Sprig and Crescent Moon: These elements sometimes appear alongside the owl, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and potentially commemorating Athenian victories like the Battle of Salamis or Marathon.
– “ΑΘΕ” (AOE): An abbreviation for “ΑΘΗΝΑΙΩΝ,” meaning “of the Athenians,” proudly identifying the coin’s origin.
- Historical and Economic Significance:
– International Trade Coin: The Athenian Owl Tetradrachm was the first widely recognized and used international trade coin in the ancient world. Its consistent weight, high silver content, and recognizable design fostered trust and facilitated commerce across city-states, empires, and trading ports.
– Athenian Power: The coin’s popularity was fueled by Athens’ military and political dominance in the 5th century BC, as well as the high quality of silver extracted from Athenian mines at Laurion. Athens even mandated tribute payments in their own currency, solidifying its economic power.
– Funding Athenian Democracy and Projects: The vast quantities of tetradrachms minted from the silver mines at Laurion financed key Athenian achievements, such as the reconstruction of the Acropolis, the building of the Parthenon, wars (including the Peloponnesian War), and enabled the functioning of their democratic system by paying citizens for civic participation.
- Collectibility:
– Enduring Appeal: Even today, Athenian Owls are highly sought after by collectors and investors due to their historical significance, symbolic beauty, and the tangible connection they offer to ancient Greek history. They are considered some of the most iconic and recognizable ancient coins.
– Value: Prices for authentic Athenian Owl Tetradrachms vary greatly depending on their condition (grade), rarity, and specific historical period of minting. For example, a “Full Crest” coin, indicating a well-defined crest on Athena’s helmet, can command a higher price. You can find various certified examples available from coin dealers and online marketplaces.
What does the owl on Athenian coins mean?
Thanks for asking. The motifs on the coins are directly related to Athens: Athena, goddess of both warfare and wisdom, was the protector of the city, while the owl on the reverse is one of the attributes of Athena – the goddess was said to have the eyes of an owl due to her ability to see what is obscure (wisdom), as the owl can see in …
How much is the Greek owl euro coin worth?
Thanks for asking. 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.
What does the owl symbolize in Athens?
Good point! Owls are transformed into major symbols of wisdom, power, justice and divinity, connected to the goddess Athena and the city of Athens. Their significance faded in the subsequent Roman period and was absent throughout the Byzantine era, for 1500 years.
What does “owls to Athens” mean?
From my experience, (idiomatic) To undertake a pointless venture, one that is redundant, unnecessary, superfluous, or highly uneconomical.