>> Ancient Greek Coins - #Greek-30547
350-300 B.C. - Hemidrachm
Coin Type :ANCIENT GREEK Denomination :HEMIDRACHM
Ruler :GREEK - CITY STATES Mint :PARION
Country :MYSIA (Ancient North Central part of Modern Turkey)
Date :B. C. 350 - 300 Metal :SILVER
Coin weight :2.4 GRAMS Certificate Number :MD-30547
Obverse: above and bull standing left looking back
Reverse: Gorgoneion (head facing, tongue protruding).
The reference used for this coin is the British Museum Catalog of Greek Coins, Volume 15.
Located on the shores of the Propontis, Parion was founded about B. C. 710 and became a flourishing port because of its excellent harbor.
The name Gorgon comes from the Greek meaning "terrible". One glance at this coin bearing the gorgon’s image will serve to emphasize this appellation. At one time the Greeks had Medusa represented as the gorgon. The one looking upon her would be turned to stone. It can be assumed that the myth has been buried with the ages.
The gorgoneion, or gorgon's mask, is known to have been used as a decoration on the cuirass (a protective metal plate worn over the chest) worn by a Roman Emperor. |
