Description

In the 6th century BCE, Athens was ruled by tyrants until the establishment of democracy in 510 BCE, which led to the famous “owls” coins—tetradrachms featuring Athena on the front and an owl on the back. The large output of these coins in the early 5th century coincided with silver discoveries at Laurion and the rise of Athens’ naval power against Persia.

Athens became a dominant political and cultural hub, but after the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE), it lost much of its wealth and influence. Although it regained prosperity in the 4th century, Athens never fully recovered its former power and became reliant on Macedon and later Rome. The “New Style” coinage was introduced around 200 BCE and lasted for about 100 years. This coing was handset in a 14kt Gold Pendant.