The tetradrachm (τετράδραχμον) was a large silver coin originating in Ancient Greece. It was the equivalent of four drachmae. It is thought that this coin became the standard coin of Antiquity, spreading beyond the Greek borders. Athenian Tetradrachms, like this one, followed a different minting standard. The Athenians derived their own ‘Attic standard’ for these types of coins, meaning that most of these coins would weigh about 17.2g. The inscription in Ancient Greek letters ΑΘΕ is an abbreviation of the word ΑΘΗΝΑΙΩΝ (Athenaion), which can be translated as “[the coinage] of the Athenians”. In everyday use, this type of coin was called glaukes (γλαῦκες) meaning owls. This silver coin was first issued in 479 BC in Athens after the Persians were defeated by the Greeks at the battle of Plataea, putting an end to the Second Persian Invasion.
Athena was the goddess of war and wisdom. Within Athens she was considered the city protectress. She was also thought to be the goddess of military victory. The owl was associated with her image as a representative of her wisdom. She is also considered a goddess of handicraft and practical reason. Scholars still debate the origins of the association of the owl with the goddess Athena, and therefore the city. Some say it might be because some characteristics of owls — such as their ability to see in the dark, could be interpreted as a symbol of wisdom, hence linking them to the goddess. Others say that it’s simply because the region where Athens was founded had a significant number of little owls. In any case, the city adopted the owl as proof of allegiance to its patron goddess.
