Object Description
A fine Athenian silver tetradrachm pendant featuring a coin set in an elegant, modern silver frame. The pendant comprises of a hollow-formed U-shaped silver hoop which twists at the top into a small loop and expands at the sides into two enlarged terminals, pierced to accommodate a separate gold bar for the swivel. The hoop is enriched by four equally spaced bands of twisted silver wire and holds an additional suspension loop at the top. The tetradrachm depicts the profile head of Athena on its obverse. The Greek goddess is portrayed facing right, wearing a crested Attic helmet ornamented with three laurel leaves and vine scrolls. The reverse displays a stylistically rendered owl standing within an incuse square, facing right looking forward. The owl is one of the goddess attributes, representing the wisdom and knowledge of Athena in her role as a goddess of wisdom. The Greek inscription ΑΘΕ (Athe) is written vertically to the right of the bird, whilst an olive springs is displayed in the top left corner of the coin. Olive trees, still present on Athens Acropolis, remain a symbol of the city of which Athena was a protector. A small crescent fills the field above the bird’s wings.
Date: Circa 5th Century BC