Description

The design of the owl on this ancient bronze coin differs from that of traditional Greek owl coinage. It stands on a palm frond with its wings open wide as if about to take flight. 

The desert patina enhances the dynamic artwork as the light sand contrasts with the dark bronze patina.

The reverse side of the pendant shows an image of Athena with a star on her Attic helmet.  

Size and Material

Bronze coin: 17mm

Hand-fabricated 18kt recycled gold mount. 

One of a kind with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Chain not included; available separately.  See Chains

Story

Dated: 200-133 BCE  Mysia Pergamon

Pergamon was an ancient city in Mysia (modern Turkey).  The city was home to one of the most famous libraries of the ancient world, second only to the Library of Alexandria. The Library of Pergamum contained a vast collection of scrolls and texts, making it a center of learning and knowledge in the Hellenistic world.

Using owl images on coins reinforced Athena's religious and cultural significance in Pergamon.

Owl and Athena The owl was a sacred and significant creature associated with the goddess Athena. The owl embodied wisdom, knowledge, and insight, perfectly reflecting the goddess's qualities as a patroness of various cities and as the goddess of courage, warfare, and wisdom.

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