The Persian Empires & The East: Northwestern Arabia, Lihyan(?) circa 2nd-1st Centuries BC AR 'Didrachm' NGC Ch VF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5
Ancient Arabia(?): Athenian-Style Imitative Silver Tetradrachm
NGC Ch VF | Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5 | Certification No. 2177417-002
Possibly unique, this fascinating and enigmatic Athenian-style imitative tetradrachm appears to be unpublished in the standard references, with no other example recorded on CoinArchives. While stylistically related to the celebrated Athenian imitations of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly those attributed to the Kingdom of Lihyan, the present piece differs sufficiently in both style and fabric to stand apart as an issue of exceptional numismatic interest.
The obverse features a refined portrait of Athena, executed in a style remarkably faithful to the classical Athenian prototype. In striking contrast, the reverse presents an unusually stylised interpretation of the famous owl type, with the familiar elements rearranged into a highly distinctive composition. The owl itself is rendered in an almost abstract manner, while the olive sprig, crescent, and ethnic have been repositioned in a fashion rarely encountered among the extensive series of eastern Athenian imitations. This deliberate departure from one of antiquity's most enduring coin designs provides a rare glimpse into a region where the prestige of the Athenian tetradrachm remained influential long after its political and economic dominance had faded.
Certified NGC Choice VF with a strong Strike 4/5, the piece retains attractive detail throughout and represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire what may well be a unique survivor of an otherwise unknown issue. A remarkable coin for the specialist in ancient Greek, Arabian, or imitative coinage, combining exceptional rarity with compelling historical significance.
Reference: Seemingly unpublished in the standard references.
Weight: 8.36 g.
Die Axis: 11h.
THE PERSIAN EMPIRES & THE EAST. NORTHWESTERN ARABIA, LIHYAN(?).
Silver 'Didrachm', circa 2nd-1st Centuries BC.
Athenian imitation. Obv: head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet; traces of symbol (mark of value?) on cheek. Rev: owl standing right(?), head facing; olive sprig and crescent moon before, ΑΘΕ behind.
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC Ch VF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5, certification number 2177417-002.
PLEASE NOTE: This lot is located in Singapore and will be dispatched directly from our Singapore office following the auction. Kindly refer to the Auction Description for alternative collection locations and schedules.
A 20.00% buyer's premium will be charged separately. GST may apply to the hammer price, please refer to the Auction Description for further details.
Payment must be made in SGD. If you wish to pay in another currency, please contact us to discuss the available options.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Ancient Arabia(?): Athenian-Style Imitative Silver Tetradrachm
NGC Ch VF | Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5 | Certification No. 2177417-002
Possibly unique, this fascinating and enigmatic Athenian-style imitative tetradrachm appears to be unpublished in the standard references, with no other example recorded on CoinArchives. While stylistically related to the celebrated Athenian imitations of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly those attributed to the Kingdom of Lihyan, the present piece differs sufficiently in both style and fabric to stand apart as an issue of exceptional numismatic interest.
The obverse features a refined portrait of Athena, executed in a style remarkably faithful to the classical Athenian prototype. In striking contrast, the reverse presents an unusually stylised interpretation of the famous owl type, with the familiar elements rearranged into a highly distinctive composition. The owl itself is rendered in an almost abstract manner, while the olive sprig, crescent, and ethnic have been repositioned in a fashion rarely encountered among the extensive series of eastern Athenian imitations. This deliberate departure from one of antiquity's most enduring coin designs provides a rare glimpse into a region where the prestige of the Athenian tetradrachm remained influential long after its political and economic dominance had faded.
Certified NGC Choice VF with a strong Strike 4/5, the piece retains attractive detail throughout and represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire what may well be a unique survivor of an otherwise unknown issue. A remarkable coin for the specialist in ancient Greek, Arabian, or imitative coinage, combining exceptional rarity with compelling historical significance.
Reference: Seemingly unpublished in the standard references.
Weight: 8.36 g.
Die Axis: 11h.
THE PERSIAN EMPIRES & THE EAST. NORTHWESTERN ARABIA, LIHYAN(?).
Silver 'Didrachm', circa 2nd-1st Centuries BC.
Athenian imitation. Obv: head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet; traces of symbol (mark of value?) on cheek. Rev: owl standing right(?), head facing; olive sprig and crescent moon before, ΑΘΕ behind.
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC Ch VF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5, certification number 2177417-002.
PLEASE NOTE: This lot is located in Singapore and will be dispatched directly from our Singapore office following the auction. Kindly refer to the Auction Description for alternative collection locations and schedules.
A 20.00% buyer's premium will be charged separately. GST may apply to the hammer price, please refer to the Auction Description for further details.
Payment must be made in SGD. If you wish to pay in another currency, please contact us to discuss the available options.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
