ATTICA. Athens. Circa 465/2-454 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.71 g, 6 h). 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; all within incuse square. HGC 4, 1664. Starr Group V. Svoronos pl. 10, 39-47. Rare. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved for an Athenian obol, with a full crest. The obverse struck very slightly off center and with very minor porosity, otherwise, about extremely fine.



Athenian fractions are rarely well struck and often porous. This piece is a notable exception: it was struck on excellent metal and features the full helmet crest of Athena on the obverse and a beautifully transitional-style owl on the reverse.