Tag: Tetradrachm

The Famous Athens Tetradrachm Nearly Full Crest

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Attica/Athens Tetradrachm
c. 440-404 BC
NGC AU
Strike 4/5 Surface 3/5

The Trade Coin of Antiquity

In 454 BC, after military defeats in Egypt against the Persians, the Athenians moved their treasury to Athens from Delos, as it was considered safer terrain.  This setback followed spectacular victories by the Athenians at Marathon (490 BC), and Thermopylae (480 BC).  After moving the treasury, the era of standard tetradrachms commenced around 440 BC, and continued until about 404 BC.

As the production of tetradrachms increased over time and provided funding for various war efforts, the dies naturally became worn, making well struck and full crested specimens somewhat scarce.  We are pleased to offer an example of this classic, standard coinage, ranked at #10 in the 100 Greatest Ancient Coins reference.  Today’s example features a finely developed and tall crest, and abundant silvery bloom.
 This artistically pleasing “owl” is available here for:  $3,480

Private, Portable, Divisible Store of Wealth. We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you.

(800) 257-3253 | Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Pricing is based on payment either via ACH or Bank Wire Transfer and includes delivery. Add 3.5% for CC or PayPal.

Alexander the Great Type Set, 3 Coins

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Gold Stater, Silver Drachm and Tetradrachm

ca.  336 – 323 BC

Gold Stater 
NGC Ch AU
Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5

Silver Tetradrachm
NGC Ch AU
Strike 5/5, Surface 3/5
Fine Style

Silver Drachm
NGC MS
Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5

Considered one of the greatest military commanders in history, Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia.  He was the son of King Phillip II and Queen Olympias, who claimed she was impregnated by Zeus (actually, it was by Phillip). From childhood, Alexander displayed exceptional leadership qualities, and he was imbued by his tutor Aristotle with a thirst for knowledge in philosophy, literature and the arts.  Alexander considered his lineage divine (like his mother did) and linked his bloodline to Achilles and Hercules.

After ascending to the throne following his father’s assassination in 336 BC, Alexander consolidated his empire of Greek city states and began his military campaign against Darius III and the Persian Empire. He decisively defeated Darius at the battle of Guagamela, and took over Babylon and Susa with little resistance.  With the fall of Persia, Alexander had available vast amounts of silver and gold available from the depositories of Susa and Persepolis, and some of this output was utilized for the production of silver drachms and gold staters like the ones on offer here today.

Alexander was succeeded as king by by his half brother, who ruled as Phillip III.

The Alexander the Great type collection is on offer here for: $18,975

Ancient Greek Coinage – the Athenian Tetradrachm Ca 450 – 404 BC NGC AU – Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5

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The most prominent city in Ancient Greece militarily and economically, Athens had at its disposal an almost inexhaustible supply of silver from the mines it controlled at Laurion. This mine would be instrumental as Athenian influence increased in the region. To facilitate this expansion, a large supply of coinage was necessary, both for international economy and as a means of declaring Athems’ dominance in the region. The famous “owl” silver coinage was introduced around 520 BC, featuring the helmeted head of Athena, and on the reverse, the standing figure of an owl, her sacred bird. Over time, the design of the owls became more streamlined, culminating in the naturalistic style of the coins on offer here.

Struck around the time period of the Peloponnesian War (431 to 404 BC), these ancient trade coins formed the basis of the Greek economy in antiquity and circulated widely in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Athenian “owls” are a good candidate for being the most famous coins of antiquity, and provide a link to the history and style of the ancient world that is without parallel.

A most famous ancient Greek silver coin, certified About Uncirculated and boldly struck, with an attractive light grey tone.

Offered at $1,595 delivered

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you.

(800) 257.3253 
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CST M-F
Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check. 
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.