UNCERTAIN EAST. 4th century BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 20 mm, 17.22 g, 7 h), imitating Athens. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette. Rev. AΘE Owl standing right, head facing; to left, olive sprig and crescent; to left, uncertain symbol. Nicolet-Pierre, Monnaies -. Van Alfen, Mechanisms -. Van Alfen, Owls -. Extremely rare. A beautifully toned and highly interesting piece. Struck on a somewhat short flan, otherwise, good very fine.



This highly intriguing piece recalls the imitations of Athenian owls from Egypt and Mesopotamia under Mazakes and Sabakes. Stylistically, it aligns more closely with the latter, though notable differences remain, and the meaning of the symbol in the left reverse field is unclear.