THE OWL OF GODDESS ATHENA AT THE BATTLE OF SALAMIS

The coins of Ancient Athens depicted the Owl of Goddess Athena since about 560 BCE. The bird is commonly shown in a seated position. However, the Athenian decadrachms are an exception to that rule.
In 480 BCE,on the day of the Battle of Salamis, the Athenians saw owls flying above their army.They considered this event as a blessing from Goddess Athena Herself, since the owl is Her sacred animal companion. The Greeks emerged triumphant from the Battle, and from then on, they depicted an owl with open wings on their decadrachms.