Nomos AG
obolos 26 18 Dec 2022
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THE LEVANT OR THE EAST. Uncertain. Mid 4th Century BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 16.15 g, 8 h), Eastern imitation of Athens. Head of Athena to right, with profile eye, wearing crested Attic helmet with palmette and three olive leaves. Rev. ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing; behind, olive spray and crescent moon. For the Athenian originals: HGC 4, 1598. Kroll 15. SNG Copenhagen 63. Cf. Van Alfen, Owls 4-5. Toned. Of remarkably good style, very close to the Athenian original, but with a number of curious anomalies, especially about the owl. Banker's mark on cheek and edge cut, otherwise, good very fine.
It is hard to imagine that someone purposefully cut an edge off of this coin in order to gain financially by having clipped it, as was common during the late Roman and medieval periods. It seems more likely that the coin was being checked to insure that it wasn't plated and the test cutter bit off a bit more than anticipated.
It is hard to imagine that someone purposefully cut an edge off of this coin in order to gain financially by having clipped it, as was common during the late Roman and medieval periods. It seems more likely that the coin was being checked to insure that it wasn't plated and the test cutter bit off a bit more than anticipated.