Lot 4489

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.852 grams), issued 183-182 B.C., (Thompson date), but probably 151-150 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 monogram AP, to right monogram **MPDA*, to left term of Hermes, all within wreath, (cf.S.2555, Thompson 92c [same dies, only other example in Athens Museum], cf.BMC 285). Off centred obverse, very fine and very rare.

Ex Patrick Cooper Collection with his ticket and previously from acquired privately in England in June 1975. A very rare early issue, Thompson knew of 28 examples of this year from all dies, issue struck from 7 obverse and 21 reverse dies. Only one other example known from this pair of dies