Greek Coinages, ATTICA, Athens, Tetradrachm, a possible Pharaonic imitation, c. 449-405, helmeted head of Athena right, rev. owl standing right, olive sprig to left, αθε to right, all within incuse square, 16.97g (Kroll 8; Buttrey type B; van Alfen Gp 11.A.1). About very fine, well-centred £200-£260

Buttrey’s type B tetradrachms are an intriguing series, distinguished from standard Athenian tetradrachms by their unusual style. Originally their production was attributed to Egypt on account of considerable hoard evidence. However it has recently been argued that these coins are indeed genuine Athenian issues, produced by inexperienced diesinkers drafted in to help cut dies during the Peloponnesian War