Ancient Greece - 440-404 BCE Attica, Athens Owl AR Tetradrachm NGC Choice AU

Here's a pristine example of the most recognizable ancient coin today, graded NCG Choice AU. It was the largest silver coin of its day, minted from silver mined at Laurion.

Such Tetradrachm coins were struck for over 400 years, with the constant theme of Athena, the goddess of warfare and wisdom, on the obverse, with the owl, her patron animal, on the reverse. This consistency in a numismatic theme served as propaganda, symbolizing Athenian financial and political authority.

Athene noctua, the Little Owl, which is found on the reverse of this coin and is still found in Europe and Asia today in the 21st century. Photo: Wikipedia.

The obverse of Athena's image is a blend of attractiveness and coercion, for her femininity is topped off with a martial helmet. A similar theme is found upon the United States Type 2 Standing Liberty quarters of 1917-1930. The genus of owl found on the coin's reverse has been identified as the Athene noctua, the Little Owl, which is native to the Mediterranean sea area. Such creatures stand six to eight inches tall, and weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 ounces. The olive sprig, which refers to Athens' primary export of olive oil, ironically serves as a symbol of peace upon a coin that was used to fund wars. The initials 'AOE' stand for 'AOENAION'--"of the Athenians."