This silver coin is a tetradrachm, meaning it was worth four drachmas, and was minted in the city-state of Athens. Its design includes a number of symbols that refer to aspects of Athenian myth and culture. The silver for the coin came from mines not far from the city and was an important factor in the growth of Athenian economic and imperial power. The coin offers a good starting point for investigating some aspects of the ancient Greek economy in general and money and occupations in particular.