Owl Tetradrachm ?

nicholasz219 · April 26, 2013 4:54PM

What is a good price for a nice F-XF owl? I saw a reputable dealer selling them for about $350.

ajaan · April 26, 2013 11:32PM

Sounds cheap to me.

SmEagle1795 · April 26, 2013 11:41PM

These have inexplicably tripled in price recently. There are many factors other than the straight grade (level of wear) which come into play and make a significant difference in price (the era of issue, centering, any chop marks, quality of the metal, etc.)

This was an incredibly large issue, spanning centuries and with millions of coins being minted so you can be choosey if you wish.

nicholasz219 · April 27, 2013 2:32AM

Yes I thought that $350 was fairly cheap considering what I have seen these go for. I did not see chop marks on any of them, I saw all nicely centered strikes and could not see any negative issues. I guess being choosey is good I just wanted a good price range because I have never seriously shopped for one before so I have no idea.

LochNESS · April 27, 2013 2:08PM

Owls are very popular these days in many arena. Especially home decor, for kids and adults. And I have always felt these were the most popular and commonly-sought-after ancient. So I'm not surprised they have increased in price.

Hyperion · March 1, 2014 11:29PM

it's a type collectors dream coin!

NiceCurrency · March 1, 2014 11:59PM

prices vary a lot between a Fine and and Extremely Fine Athens Owl Tetradrachm, $350 is cheap

northcoin · March 2, 2014 7:01AM

<< What is a good price for a nice F-XF owl? I saw a reputable dealer selling them for about $350. >>

That is an almost too good to be true price. Beware of a counterfeit even if ancient.

CIVITAS · March 3, 2014 5:05AM

Depends on which type of owl you're talking about.

Archaic, Classical, Transitional, New Style are all priced differently.

For reference, we've got three listed on our site right now. The first is a Classical style and the last two are transitional types.

http://www.civitasgalleries.com/cgi/store/commerce.cgi?keywords=athens+owl&search_request_button=+Search+

nicholasz219 · March 3, 2014 5:46AM

Well, I guess that I would be looking for around the Classical or Transitional type. I really would like to just add any type of the coin to be honest, but I had not heard of the different time periods until your post. Which is exactly why I post here, to learn before I buy. Any advice on which to go for, Josh, if I am only looking to add one piece? I have to get together $400 anyway, so it will be a bit.

NiceCurrency · March 3, 2014 5:48AM

excellent point Josh

SaorAlba · March 3, 2014 5:52AM

<< Depends on which type of owl you're talking about.

Archaic, Classical, Transitional, New Style are all priced differently.

For reference, we've got three listed on our site right now. The first is a Classical style and the last two are transitional types.

http://www.civitasgalleries.com/cgi/store/commerce.cgi?keywords=athens+owl&search_request_button=+Search+ >>

Another possibility for owls are the Arabian knockoffs that were made around the latter part of the pre-Christian era.

CIVITAS · March 3, 2014 7:10AM

<< Well, I guess that I would be looking for around the Classical or Transitional type. I really would like to just add any type of the coin to be honest, but I had not heard of the different time periods until your post. Which is exactly why I post here, to learn before I buy. Any advice on which to go for, Josh, if I am only looking to add one piece? I have to get together $400 anyway, so it will be a bit. >>

Well, my suggestion is always buy what you like. I know, very helpful...

Typically, I think when someone says "Athens owl tetradrachm", the image that comes to mind is usually the Classical style from post 449 B.C.

CIVITAS · March 3, 2014 7:12AM

<< 

<< Depends on which type of owl you're talking about.

Archaic, Classical, Transitional, New Style are all priced differently.

For reference, we've got three listed on our site right now. The first is a Classical style and the last two are transitional types.

http://www.civitasgalleries.com/cgi/store/commerce.cgi?keywords=athens+owl&search_request_button=+Search+ >>

Another possibility for owls are the Arabian knockoffs that were made around the latter part of the pre-Christian era. >>

I left those out, assuming Nick was talking about an Athens issue rather than imitative. But, you're right. The styles can get pretty funky on those Arabian imitations and could be a whole collecting path unto themselves.

Aethelred · March 3, 2014 10:12AM

Do you have a photo or link to what you are looking at?

nicholasz219 · March 3, 2014 5:32PM

Ah you know the original thread is so old I don't even remember which specific seller I was looking at really. I think that just from wandering around completed listings on the Bay and some dealer websites it seemed that $350 seemed to be around the going price at the time.

Yes Josh, you are correct in that I would prefer to have a Tetradrachma from Athens rather than an imitative piece at first. Saoralba, I appreciate the idea and that might be something I look into further as I had not heard of those either before this thread. But if I am going to add only one piece I would like it to be an original issue from Athens and one of the archetypal issues that most others imitated.

Thanks for all of the input here everyone!

Owl Tetradrachm ?

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