Lot 3261

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.276 grams), issued 124-3 B.C., (Thompson date) but probably 92-91 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, **L* on amphora, legend across **A QE, to left **XE NO/KLHS/ ARMO/XE/NOS*, dolphin and trident to right, below **DI*, all within wreath, (cf.S.2555, Thompson 1099 (same obverse die, new reverse dies, cf.Hunter 171-172). Slightly off centred obverse, otherwise good very fine and rare (unpublished dies).

Ex Edward Wadell, Auction 81 (lot 95 part). A rare issue, Thompson knew of 121 examples of this year from all dies, issue struck from 42 obverse and 80 reverse dies.