Electrotype Replica of Tetradrachm: Head of Athena Parthenos (obverse)
Unknown Artist
1838–1916
Medium
Silver-plated copper alloy (?)
Dimensions
diam. 3 cm
Classification
Coins
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1916.977.a
About this artwork
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.