Lot 3323

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.83 grams), issued 144-3 B.C., (Thompson date) but probably 112-1 B.C. (revised chronology), obv. head of Athena Parthenos to right wearing triple-crested Athenian helmet, ornamented with Pegasus, rev. owl standing to right, head facing, in erect posture, on prostrate amphora, to right Artemis with torch, legend across **A QE CARI NAU THS ARIS TEA[S], KHFHS* over **QEOXE*, **SO below, I on amphora, all within wreath, (cf.S.2555, Thompson 694 [same obverse die], cf.695d). Extremely fine and extremely rare variety.

The obverse die has been noted but this example provides a new reverse die. A few specimens with similar reverse legends are noted by Thompson. Thompson read the final magistrate name as being altered by the re-engraving of this new name over another magistrate's name.