Lot 3284

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.830 grams), issued 171-170 B.C., (Thompson date), but probably 139-138 B.C. (revised chronology), obv. head of Athena Parthenos to right wearing triple-crested Athenian helmet, ornamented with Pegasus, within dotted border, rev. owl standing to right, head facing, in erect posture, on prostrate amphora, Nike to right, nothing on amphora, legend across **A QE, to left **KTH/SI* to right EY/MA, to left EY, all within wreath, (cf.S.2555, Thompson 273 [same obverse die], cf.McClean 5902, cf.SNG Fitz. (Leake) 3200, cf.SNG Cop. 133). Weak in centre, very fine and very rare.

Ex Patrick Cooper Collection with his ticket and previously from Cummings, England. A scarce early issue, Thompson knew of 102 examples of this year from all dies, issue struck from 21 obverse and 77 reverse dies.