Ancient #Greek #coins were handmade so mistakes happened when minting. The Seleucid coin has slipped between hammer strikes so the figure (Zeus) has a second pair of ghostly legs. It was still used because it was the correct weight of silver.
#classicsbluesky #ancientbluesky #museums #numismatics 🏺

Early #Greek #coins were made of solid silver (or gold) and were literally worth their weight in silver. Ancient Greeks would cut some coins with a chisel to check that they weren't fakes with a cheaper metal core disguised with silver plate.
#classicsbluesky #ancientbluesky #museums #numismatics 🏺

This 2nd century BCE #Greek #coin of the Seleucid ruler Alexander I is amazing! Just look at the feathers on this striding eagle (in @romtoronto.bsky.social). The detail is all so clear, even before cleaning.
#classicsbluesky #ancientbluesky #museums #numismatics

And just one more #owl and #Greek #coin from the AGR archives @romtoronto.bsky.social. These photos were taken in the American School of Classical Studies in Athens in the 1940s.
#classicsbluesky #ancientbluesky #museums #archives #Athens #owls #numismatics

Some of my favourite owls in Toronto while I get started over here! One from my walk into work, and the other from our #Greek #coin collection @romtoronto.bsky.social.
#ancientbluesky #classicsbluesky #numismatics #museum