Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVI 26 Sep 2018
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Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 475-470 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing earring and crested Attic helmet decorated with with pellet in chevron ornamentation and four olive leaves / Owl standing to right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square. Starr Group I, 8 and pl. 1, 8 (same dies); Seltman 413; Svoronos 8.4. 17.22g, 22mm, 4h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; Starr knew of only twelve coins in his Group I.
From the Dr. Albert Potts collection.
The coinage of Starr Group I represents the first issue struck at Athens after the resounding victory over the second Persian invasion of Greece at the climactic twin battles of Plataea and Mykale in 479. The city of Athens had been razed to the ground by Persian troops in the course of this war, and the Athenians now faced the task of not only rebuilding their homes and temples, but also immediately went on the offensive against the Persian dominions in northern Greece, Cyprus and Byzantion. In 477 leadership of the free Greek city-states would pass to Athens with the formation of the Delian League with Kimon as their principal commander.
When the Athenian mint resumed operations then, the coinage retained its familiar types, but with some alterations. The helmet of Athena now displayed four upright leaves of olive, and the olive sprig on the Group I coinage unusually hangs straight down, perhaps a symbolic change, as an army regiment might lower its colours in salute or a gesture of respect for the fallen. This is also the first issue to bear the crescent symbol, which more likely represents a transient stage of the moon than a fleet formation (as has been suggested), however despite a general consensus that it probably in some way relates to victory over the Persian invaders, its true significance remains uncertain.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare; Starr knew of only twelve coins in his Group I.
From the Dr. Albert Potts collection.
The coinage of Starr Group I represents the first issue struck at Athens after the resounding victory over the second Persian invasion of Greece at the climactic twin battles of Plataea and Mykale in 479. The city of Athens had been razed to the ground by Persian troops in the course of this war, and the Athenians now faced the task of not only rebuilding their homes and temples, but also immediately went on the offensive against the Persian dominions in northern Greece, Cyprus and Byzantion. In 477 leadership of the free Greek city-states would pass to Athens with the formation of the Delian League with Kimon as their principal commander.
When the Athenian mint resumed operations then, the coinage retained its familiar types, but with some alterations. The helmet of Athena now displayed four upright leaves of olive, and the olive sprig on the Group I coinage unusually hangs straight down, perhaps a symbolic change, as an army regiment might lower its colours in salute or a gesture of respect for the fallen. This is also the first issue to bear the crescent symbol, which more likely represents a transient stage of the moon than a fleet formation (as has been suggested), however despite a general consensus that it probably in some way relates to victory over the Persian invaders, its true significance remains uncertain.