Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 457 4 Dec 2019
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UNCERTAIN EAST. Mid 5th century BC. AR Tetradrachm (19.5mm, 16.51 g, 7h). Imitating Athens. Helmeted head of Athena right, with profile eye and pi-style palmette / Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; all within incuse square. Van Alfen, Owls, Miscellaneous Imitations Group, 137. Lightly toned, area of weak strike. VF. Rare.
From the Nomisma Collection.
The style of this imitation is very good compared to official Athenian pi-style issues; flan is folded, and the lower left bar of the A in the ethnic is tucked behind the owl's neck. What reveals the imitation are the schematic features of the obverse and the odd separated foreleg of the owl. At this time, identifying the mint of issue is not possible, but the style does resemble that used on the last issues of Athenian imitations from Egypt, just prior to the ultimate issues in the names of the Persian satrap or great king, as well as issues from Mesopotamia.
From the Nomisma Collection.
The style of this imitation is very good compared to official Athenian pi-style issues; flan is folded, and the lower left bar of the A in the ethnic is tucked behind the owl's neck. What reveals the imitation are the schematic features of the obverse and the odd separated foreleg of the owl. At this time, identifying the mint of issue is not possible, but the style does resemble that used on the last issues of Athenian imitations from Egypt, just prior to the ultimate issues in the names of the Persian satrap or great king, as well as issues from Mesopotamia.