Athens Silver Decadrachm Coin
Extremely Fine: Up to: £725,000
The Athens Silver Decadrachm (circa 467–460 BC) is one of the most prestigious and rare coins of the ancient world. Minted to commemorate the Greek victory over the Persians, it was so valuable that it rarely entered common circulation, serving instead as a display of Athenian wealth and power.
Market Value & Auction Records
Due to their extreme rarity and high demand among elite collectors, Athens decadrachms command six-figure prices at auction.
- Top Auction Record: A specimen sold for 800,000 CHF (approx. £725,000) at the Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 158 in November 2025.
- Historical Highs: Other exceptional examples have realized $375,000 (approx. £295,000) at CNG Triton XIV and nearly $1 million in private sales or specialised “Top 100” lists.
- Comparison: For context, the more common Athenian Tetradrachm (the standard 4-drachma unit) typically ranges from £400 to £7,350 depending on condition and age.
Mintage & Rarity
While ancient mint records are not available, modern numismatic studies provide a clear picture of this coin’s scarcity:
- Survival Rate: Only approximately 40 to 48 specimens are known to exist worldwide.
- Production Volume: Analysis of surviving samples indicates that at least 17 different obverse dies were used, suggesting a larger original mintage than the small number of survivors would imply.
- Minting Period: Production was brief, likely starting after the Battle of the Eurymedon (466 BC) and ceasing by 460 BC.
Coin Specifications
- Weight: Typically between 42.5g and 42.9g (ten times the weight of a standard drachm).
- Obverse: Profile of the goddess Athena wearing a crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves.
- Reverse: An owl facing forward with its wings spread, accompanied by the inscription Α-Θ-Ε (for Athens) and a small olive sprig.