Athena Side

Denomination:  Silver Tetradrachm

Date:  Circa 2nd-1st Century BC

Descripiton: 


Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Nike advancing left, holding wreath; pomegranate in left field.

Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patroness of agriculture, industry and the arts, was born fully armed from Zeus’ head.  She guided men through the dangers of war, and is always depicted helmeted, often with spear and shield.  Athena was one of the most powerful of the deities and was widely worshipped.  It was believed that she gave the Athenian people the olive tree, which is still very important in Greek culture.  She is credited with teaching people how to plow, play the flute, and make shoes.

Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, was often depicted winged, holding a wreath and palm to crown the horses of a victorious charioteer.