Silver Drachma, Athens - Attica
Title
Silver Drachma, Athens - Attica
Subject
Coinage--Greece--Athens
Description
Obv. bust of Athena (helmeted?) r. with large circular earring; potential hair ornamentation near neck
Rev. in incuse square, owl standing r. facing out; olive branch behind; ΑΘΕ in front
Weight: 4.2g
Diameter: 13.6mm
A drachm was the equivalent of a day’s wage for a skilled worker in Classical Athens. The word “drachm” originally meant “handful,” referring to the measurement of long spits of wood or metal which were used as payment before the advent of coins. These were in used from 1100 BCE, and can be found in the burials of elite warriors and high-class individuals, as in a Geometric-era grave on Cyprus. Athens began striking coins in the late 6th century BCE, assisted by its control of a silver mine at Laurion.
Rev. in incuse square, owl standing r. facing out; olive branch behind; ΑΘΕ in front
Weight: 4.2g
Diameter: 13.6mm
A drachm was the equivalent of a day’s wage for a skilled worker in Classical Athens. The word “drachm” originally meant “handful,” referring to the measurement of long spits of wood or metal which were used as payment before the advent of coins. These were in used from 1100 BCE, and can be found in the burials of elite warriors and high-class individuals, as in a Geometric-era grave on Cyprus. Athens began striking coins in the late 6th century BCE, assisted by its control of a silver mine at Laurion.
Date
410-405 BCE
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