Thrace - Apollonia, Greece · Circa 480-450 BCE
14k Gold and Sapphire
Obverse: Gorgon (Madusa) Head with protruding tongue
Reverse: Anchor with mint mark 'A'
This is a rare Apollonia Pontika (modern Sozopol, Bulgaria) silver drachm from Thrace. Here the gorgon, presumably Medusa, is portrayed as a hideous monster, with her face in rictus, tongue protruding - used as a popular device to ward off evil.
The hideous triad; sisters Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, were said to have hair of writhing living serpents, venomous and terrifying, and whose gaze turned to stone any who beheld it. Two of the sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal but Medusa was not. She was killed and beheaded by the hero Perseus who used his polished shield as a mirror to protect himself from viewing her directly.
The anchor and the crayfish on the back attest to the city's reliance on maritime commerce for its economy. The anchor is one of the first anchors of modern design rendered in Greek art, meant to protect sailors and travelers.
- Argentum (AR) silver coin / 14k gold
- 2mm Blush-Pink Sapphire gemstone
- Approx. 12 mm diameter
NGC Certified: 6828916-011 (Ch VF)
- Certificate of Authenticity provided
- Arrives in satin pouch. gift box and polishing cloth
- Chain not included
See my Ancient Coin Jewelry Guide to learn more about ancient coins!
Enjoy!
AR8