Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVI 26 Sep 2018
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Attica, Athens AR Drachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Helmeted head of Athena right / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 10 var.; SNG Copenhagen 41-3 var. 3.80g, 16mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
Sold with export licence issued by The Israel Antiquities Authority.
Numismatists have long perpetuated a common error, in that a great many drachms of Athens are described as having an olive sprig and crescent behind the owl (merely assumed to be present perhaps on account of its appearance on the tetradrachm, or simply copied and pasted in error) though in fact the crescent is absent by design. The present example however, struck in good metal and in unambiguously Athenian style, remarkably does actually have a crescent behind the owl.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
Sold with export licence issued by The Israel Antiquities Authority.
Numismatists have long perpetuated a common error, in that a great many drachms of Athens are described as having an olive sprig and crescent behind the owl (merely assumed to be present perhaps on account of its appearance on the tetradrachm, or simply copied and pasted in error) though in fact the crescent is absent by design. The present example however, struck in good metal and in unambiguously Athenian style, remarkably does actually have a crescent behind the owl.