Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 460-455 BC. Head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, wearing round earring with central boss / AΘE, owl standing three-quarters right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square. Starr Group IV, cf. Starr 125. 17.17g, 25mm, 10h.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
A beautiful example of this rare transitional style, which feature the finest owls of the entire Athenian tetradrachm series. Here the emblematic bird is rendered with a remarkable degree of realism and proportionality, and lies within the typically deep incuse square that characterizes the issue: evidence of the great care and attention to detail with which these coins were struck.