Athens attained prominence as a major city of ancient Greece during the time of Peisistratus (560-514 BCE). After the Persian war (490-479 BCE), Athens was rebuilt on a grand scale by Perikles. Rebuilding of Athens fueled the revival of economy and brought prosperity to the city state. Athens became one the centers of power and trade of ancient Greece. Athenian coins depicted head of Athena patron goddess of the city on obverse and a standing owl, symbol of wisdom in greek belief system. This coin remained unchanged for almost four centuries.

Monetary System

Silver Decadrachm ~ 43 grams = 60 Obol
Silver Tetradrachm ~ 17.2 grams = 24 Obol
Silver Stater ~ 8.6 grams = 12 Obol
Silver Drachm ~4.3 grams = 6 Obol
Silver Tetrobol ~ 2.85 grams = 4 Obol
Silver Triobol / Hemidrachm  ~ 2.15 grams = 3 Obol
Silver Diobol ~ 1.72 grams = 2 Obol
Silver Obol ~ 0.72 grams
Silver Trittartemorion ~ 0.54 grams = 0.75 Obol
Silver Hemiobol ~ 0.36 grams = 0.5 Obol
Silver Trihemitartemorion ~ 0.27 grams = 0.375 Obol
Silver Tetratemorion ~ 0.18 grams = 0.125 Obol
Silver Hemitartemorion ~ 0.09 grams = 0.1 Obol
 
 

Silver Drachm
c. 450 BCE
Obverse: Athena wearing a helmet
Reverse: Owl
 

Silver Stater
c. 450 BCE
Obverse: Athena wearing a helmet
Reverse: Owl

Silver Tetradrachm
c. 450 BCE
Obverse: Athena wearing a helmet
Reverse: Owl

Reference: Encyclopedia Britannica

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