ATTICA. Athens. AR Tetradrachm (17.16 gms), ca. 460-454 B.C. NGC EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. cf. HGC-4, 1596-7; cf. Starr-pl. XXII. Late transitional issue. Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right; Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent to left; all within incuse square. Featuring an obverse style that is slightly earlier than the common, massively produced issue, but a reverse owl that fits right into the later 5th century types, this would appear to be a late transitional issue. Some light russet toning around the obverse devices augments its allure, as does a fairly well centered strike.
