Lot 4329

Description

Attica, Athens, (166-57 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.89 g), issued 169-8 B.C., (Thompson date) but probably 137-6 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, legend across **A QE, to left MI/KI to right across **QEO/FRA*, Nike in quadriga to right below, below **SW*, all within wreath, (cf.S.2555, Thompson 321b [same obverse die, new reverse die]). Well centred obverse, very fine/good very fine and rare (unpublished dies).

Ex I.S. Wright, Sydney, July 24, 2003.
A rare issue. Thompson knew of 68 examples of this year from all dies, issue struck from 10 obverse and 46 reverse dies.