Attica, Athens. Circa 467 BC. AR Decadrachm (42.09g). Head of Athena right wearing earring and in crested Attic helmet with three olive leaves over visor and spiral palmette on bowl. Reverse: AThE, owl standing facing with spread wings, olive sprig in upper left field. Seltman 448, Group O (A303/P383) (same dies). Sound metal and free from corrosion. A most pleasing example with a wonderful head of Athena. Nearly Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
Estimated Value $150,000-UP.
The decadrachm of Athens is perhaps the most storied coin of the ancient world. It represents a singular, very brief, large denomination issue of the city-state, probably connected with its victory over the Persians at the battle of Eurymedon in 467 BC. This battle effectively marked the final defeat of Persia by the Greeks, and it is certainly conceivable that this special issue coinage was struck from the enormous quantities of spoil which were seized after the battle.
There are perhaps less than thirty specimens of the Athenian decadrachm known today, as most were likely melted down within decades of their production. Its extreme rarity and desirability is attested to by the fact that the type has commanded one of the highest prices ever realized by a Greek coin in auction: $528,000 in Sotheby's auction of the Hunt Collection in 1990.
