Athena's Owls
- Athenian silver tetradrachms
- Silver
- Nablus Hoard, 4th century BCE
- Gift of Dr. Robert W. Gillman, L to R: KM 85613b, KM 85612, KM 85606, KM 85608, KM 85603, KM 85513
Owl coins minted in Athens from the fifth through first centuries BCE were widely used in international commerce. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patron of Athens, is on the front. Her attribute, the owl, is on the back, alongside the first three letters of the city's name (Α Θ Ε). Look closely to find the striking errors.