Nomos AG
Auction 26 21 May 2023
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ATTICA. Athens. Circa 460-455 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.73 g, 9 h). Helmeted head of Athena to right, with three olive leaves over the visor and tendril on the bowl. Rev. ΑΘΕ Owl standing to right, with head facing and triple-pointed tail feathers; to left, long curved olive leaf and fruit. HGC 4, 1663. Cf. SNG Soutzos 684. Starr Group III, pl. XXIV, i. Svoronos, Trésor, pl. 9, 45. Attractively toned, well-centered, of good style and with a particularly beautiful obverse. Very minor flatness on the reverse and some deposits, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, ex Leu Numismatics 65, 21 May 1996, 168 and Sternberg XII, 18 November 1982, 159.
Athenian minor silver issues, from obols on down, were the most used of Athenian silver coins, especially since the Athenians preferred silver to bronze/copper and introduced base metal fractions comparatively late in the city's monetary history. So it is understandable that since Athenian minor silver was in constant use it very rarely appears in really good condition. Thus, this obol in this lot, as well as those in the preceding and the following lots, are absolutely outstanding in their quality.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions, ex Leu Numismatics 65, 21 May 1996, 168 and Sternberg XII, 18 November 1982, 159.
Athenian minor silver issues, from obols on down, were the most used of Athenian silver coins, especially since the Athenians preferred silver to bronze/copper and introduced base metal fractions comparatively late in the city's monetary history. So it is understandable that since Athenian minor silver was in constant use it very rarely appears in really good condition. Thus, this obol in this lot, as well as those in the preceding and the following lots, are absolutely outstanding in their quality.