PHILISTIA (PALESTINE). Uncertain mint. Mid 5th century-333 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 16.37 g, 9 h). Head of Athena to right, wrearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette; on cheek, countermark of 𐩫 (Arabian letter K). Rev. ΑΘE Owl standing right, head facing; to left, olive sprig and crescent; all within incuse square. SNG ANS 3 var. (different countermark). Very rare and interesting. Slightly double struck on the obverse and with a test cut on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.


As the dominant trade currency, the Athenian 'Owls' were widely copied during the 5th and 4th Centuries in the Levante, Egypt and Arabia. This and the following lot, distinguishable from the Athenian originals by their slightly cruder style, slightly irregular square incuse and a rather low weight, are two interesting examples of such imitations: they originate from Philistia, an area under Persian Control at the time.