Silver plated Tetradrachm

This Athenian tetradrachm, minted between 515 and 510 BCE, was split in half in antiquity to reveal a cross-section of copper coated in silver. Though difficult to see, the obverse of this coin depicts a gorgoneion head while the reverse depicts a panther head and paws within an incuse square.

This plated coin was initially believed to be ancient fake. However, recent studies have revealed that the plating process was conducted in ancient Athens, and required high technical skill to practice.

These Athenian tetradrachms, called ‘heraldic coins’, can have their mints identified by their imagery and die-sequence. Gorgon imagery in particular was issued during the regime of the Eupatrid families, the Athenian elite during the Persian Wars, and its ‘hideous features’ were an considered an official symbol of Athens as it was considered a ward against evil.