Athene, Bronze Owl, 550-450 BC

COLLECTABLES » Athene, Bronze Owl, 550-450 BC

CATALOG INFORMATION
ID Number:	CS01-0201
Category:	Ancient Artefacts
Description:	Athene, Bronze Owl, 550-450 BC
Country or State:	Athene (Ancient Greece)
Year:
Period:	Estimated between 550-450 BC
Head of State/Ruler:
Reign:
Subject/Theme:	Goddess of Wisdom
Obverse:
Obverse Legend:	ΑΘΕ
Obverse Designer:
Reverse:
Reverse Legend:
Reverse Designer:
Edge:
Note:	The inscription "ΑΘΕ" is an abbreviation of ΑΘΕΝΑΙΟΝ (Translation: "of the Athenians")
Mint Mark:	ΑΘΕ
Composition:	Bronze
Height:	~72.0 mm
Width:	~45.0 mm
Thickness:	~12.5 mm
Weight:	~125.0 grams
Catalog Number:
State of Conservation:	Extremely Fine (XF), Natural green patina
Rarity:	Extremely Rare


CATALOG VALUE
Proof (Prf)	€ -
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)	€ -
Mint State/Mint Condition (MS)	€ -
Uncirculated (Unc)	€ -
Extremely Fine (XF)	€ -
Very Fine (VF)	€ -
Fine (F)	€ -
Very Good (VG)	€ -
Good (G)	€ -


HISTORICAL NOTES
In the mythology of ancient Greece, Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom, was so impressed by the great eyes and solemn appearance of the Owl that, having banished the mischievous crow, she honoured the night bird by making him her favourite among feathered creatures. Athene's bird was a Little Owl, (Athene noctua), the Owl was protected and inhabited the Acropolis in great numbers. It was believed that a magical "inner light" gave Owls night vision. As the symbol of Athene, the Owl was a protector, accompanying Greek armies to war, and providing ornamental inspiration for their daily lives. If an Owl flew over Greek Soldiers before a battle, they took it as a sign of victory. The Little Owl also kept a watchful eye on Athenian trade and commerce from the reverse side of their coins.