Lot 4328

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.83 g), 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 Noble Numismatics Auction Sale 73 (lot 3284) coming from the 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.