Athenian Silver Tetradrachm

The Athenian Silver Tetradrachma is one of the oldest silver coins in the world. First minted in early 600BC, it was extensively accepted as a form of "international" currency. In those days, there were no metric or imperial systems of measurement. Instead, a "drachma" represented a "handful". Perhaps, a handful of small iron spits would be enough to buy a leg of lamb or a dress? A tetradrachma can be translated to mean "four handfuls."

When rich deposits of silver were found in Attica, Themistocles recommended that the revenues be spent on building a fleet of 200 warships. There were large issues of the Athenian tetradrachma to finance his proposal. As a result, Athens grew to become the most powerful naval force in the Greek world. With this advantage and some much needed allies, the Athenians succeeded in preventing the Persians from invading mainland Greece.

The city of Athens was named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War. According to Greek mythology, Athena defeated Poseidon in a contest to become the patron deity of the city by presenting the olive tree to King Cecrops. The Athenians were so devoted to Athena that they constructed the Parthenon in her honor.

Therefore, it's no surprise that the right profile of Athena's head appears on the obverse of the Athenian Silver Tetradrachma. While Athena appears differently in various issues, she always wears a helmet and earrings, possibly to symbolize war and wisdom, or peace. Measuring about one inch in diameter, it may well be the earliest coin with a human head on it. On the reverse, there's the owl which is the symbol of Athena. Again, there are different versions of the owl in various issues. However, it's always accompanied by a twig of olive and at times, an amphora. There are the Greek letters AOE, which means Athens or Athena.

When you come across some Athenian Silver Tetradrachms, don't be surprised if you notice the cut marks on the coins. They are not damaged. In fact, these marks show that the coins have been authenticated to be of real silver. Sometimes, some coins would be coated on the surface with silver so it was neccesary to check the coins in this manner. Now, you shouldn't go and cut or poke holes in your silver pieces. If you have silver to sell, send it to a trusted silver buyer who pays instant cash for silver!