Electrotype Replica of Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

1838–1916

Electrotype Replica of Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse), 1838–1916. Greece (?). Silver-plated copper alloy (?); diameter: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.977 With a green tint betraying its copper content, this coin is an electrotype replica created more than a century ago. It precisely replicates the form of a 2nd-century BC original. Retaining the basic scheme of Athena and owl from earlier Athenian coinage, these “New Style” tetradrachms—as scholars call them—give the goddess a more naturalistic appearance and add an amphora, olive wreath, and magistrate names to the reverse. This silver-plated replica weighs about 12 grams, nearly 30% less than a pure silver tetradrachm.