Athenian New Style Tetradrachm

An Athenian "New Style" tetradrachm, dated to c. 200–150 BC. The obverse features the head of Athena, while the reverse shows an owl standing on an amphora, all within an olive wreath. This series was known in antiquity as the "stephanephoroi" (wreath-bearers). Issued annually, they were inscribed with the names of two or three magistrates for the year, and a letter on the amphora even indicated the month of issue. The transparency of its minting control was exceptionally high in the Hellenistic world. In an age when reduced weight standards were becoming widespread, this venerable mint continued to adhere to the Attic standard.