Athena
Zeus' warlike daughter, the goddess of wisdom, as well as
protectress of cities (most notably Athens), patroness of craftsmen, arts and industry. Her
main attributes are the owl and aegis (shield), and she is usually shown in a crested
Corinthian helmet, and sometimes
in a battling stance - all of which are readily recognizable on the numerous coin issues she
is featured on. One of the true "classics" of ancient mints - the Athenian silver tetradrachms -
are almost totally dedicated to her, displaying her profiled portrait on one side, and an owl and olive
branch on the other. During later, Roman times, her cult continued to flourish as Minerva.