Please Note: This is an authentic Ancient Greek Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.
FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW
As the Ancient Greek world developed, colonists traveled far and wide, establishing settlements that would sometimes become powerful city states; what the Greeks called a Polis. One such Polis is the ancient Apollonia Pontika, an ancient Bronze Age settlement that became, with the arrival of the Greeks, one of the most powerful trade and naval ports of the ancient world.
Situated on the West coast of the Black Sea, in what is now Bulgaria, the Apollonians began minting coins in the 6th Century BC. And while coins featured Apollo, and the infamous Gorgon, or Medusa, no symbol is as recognizable as the proud, triumphant Anchor.
A power symbol of the ancient world, it is easy to understand why a Polis that owed its prosperity to the sea embraced this symbol - and continues to do so to this day. The modern town of Sozopol built on the remains of Apollonia still features the Anchor in its coat of arms.
April's Notes: These Ancient Greek city-state coins are wonderfully thick and deeply struck, and this Drachm is no exception. With the bold, clear strike of the anchor, it is easily seen and appreciated. And this coin has almost a full Gorgon - so apparently you can turn your enemies mostly to stone (keep reading).
In ancient times the Anchor, a symbol of maritime might, was often pictured upright – with the crown and two arms at the top, and what we know call the head at the bottom. The Anchor, beyond signifying naval prowess, was a power symbol of the ancient world.
With the rise of Christianly, the regal anchor took on powerful new symbolic meaning. Viewed as a modified Cross, early Christians revered the anchor as a symbol of faith and hope. Today, along with the Cross of Faith, and Heart of Charity, the Anchor of Hope is still as loved now as in times past.
The anchor is also known as the “Sailor’s Cross” and is often worn by sailors and those who love the sea as a constant reminder to hold fast and have hope, even in the most difficult of times. The anchor symbolizes the power of steadfastness and resiliency in adversity – then, as now, a symbol of triumph.
Yes, the Gorgon is Medusa… more correctly, the Gorgons are three mythical sisters who had hair made of live, venomous snakes. And yes, much like they are depicted in Hollywood movies, it was said that if any dared look upon a Gorgon, they would turn to stone.
But like many a frightening god or demigod in the Ancient Greek pantheon, people did not shy away from using them as a powerful symbol… of and for protection. By placing the Gorgon in a prominent place on a building or object, you could summon the protection of the gods and ward off evil spirits.
In fact, Alexander the Great himself had an image of the Gorgon emblazoned on his battle breastplate. Given his military track record… it seems to have worked.
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
