Now, you can own one of the first known silver coins ever minted and widely traded from ancient times– the Athenian Owls. Our ancient coin buyers just located a small group of 2,400-year-old classical Greek coins, the Silver Owls. Struck from 449 to 413 BC, these Silver Owls were individually hand-minted by the city-state of Athens. These are exceptionally famous coins, well known by ancient coin experts. Sadly, they're seldom seen in American coin collections because it's so difficult to acquire nice examples of the oldest coins. Silver Owls have the privilege of being one of the three coins featured on the cover of the new book, "Money of the Bible" by Kenneth Bresett. This book has been marvelous at identifying coins and introducing collectors to the joy of collecting ancient coins. Ancient Coins Minted by Hand The Athenian Owls are large silver coins, irregularly shaped, about an inch in diameter. Each one has been certified as authentic by NGC and individually picked for nice eye appeal. Each Silver Owl in this release is extremely well-preserved and clearly shows off all the detailed designs. The front of each Silver Owl honors Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. The reverse bears the Owl, a symbol of Greek wisdom surrounded by an olive sprig, denoting Athenian prosperity in the export of olive oil. Minted more than 400 years before the time of Christ, Silver Owls were individually hand-struck coins, with a standard weight in silver, but they widely vary in thickness, size, and shape. Coins That Traveled the Known World We have available, while they last, classical Athenian Silver Owls in two versions. Shown above are examples with authentic test cuts made by traders with a chisel over 2,000 years ago to verify that the coins were not silver plated but solid silver throughout. The Owls with test cuts are truly fascinating. They may have traveled the world on sailing ships or camels' backs. They were widely traded beyond Greece, from Egypt to the Holy Land, and across the known world 400 years before Christ. For that reason, we are surprised to offer genuine Silver Owl coins at just $499 each. We feel they offer exceptional value for the collector who wants to own genuine, authenticated Silver Coins that are truly a piece of ancient history. We Expect a Prompt Sell Out It is indeed a privilege and honor to own a Silver Owl that has been designated as one of the top ten ancient coins ever produced. Serious collectors who can afford to own the finest Owls in pristine, untested condition, can put away the nicest, rarer examples of Silver Owls for $1,495 each. Since we've never offered the Silver Owls before in our 18-year history, we fear we may not see a group like this again for years. That's why it's important to order now. For your security, each Silver Owl has been individually sealed in an official N.G.C. holder to forever protect these 2,400 year old pieces of antiquity from the harmful effects of handling. All Athenian Silver Owls will be offered first come, first served. We reserve the right to refuse late orders. |
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In 2007 a panel of international experts voted the Athenian Silver Owl in the top ten Ancient coins ever produced. The coin is also featured on the cover of the "Money of the Bible" by Ken Bressett. |
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| The Owl in Greek Mythology • Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, honored the night bird by making him her favorite among feathered creatures. • Athena's bird was a Little Owl, (Athene noctua). • As the symbol of Athene, the Owl was a protector. If an Owl flew over Greek Soldiers before a battle, they took it as a sign of victory. • The Little Owl also kept a watchful eye on Athenian trade and commerce from the reverse side of their coins. |
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