The ancient symbols of Protection & Victory - Medusa and Nike - unite on the Ancient Greek Bronze Tetrachalkon - now in an heirloom pendant

Please Note: This is an authentic Ancient Greek Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW FOR PENDANT SIZE

The most striking thing about the ancient state of Pontus’ bronze Tetrachalkons are their portrayal of the Aegis - a shield with the head of Medusa prominently affixed to the middle. Brandished by the goddess Athena in battle, the head of Medusa was said to be the ancient world's most powerful symbol of protection.

The Medusa - or Gorgon - was one of the three sisters whose head of venomous snakes was legendary for it's ability to lend protection to any who displayed the symbol, and she takes center stage on this Tetrachalkon.

But the other side of these deeply-struck, precious pieces of the ancient world also bear a powerful symbol... that of winged Nike, or, as the Romans called her: Victory. Nike was the personification of Victory - in battle, sport, art, music, love - or any other endeavor. With her powerful wings and beautiful profile, she graces these bronze coins with an elegance only found in Ancient Greek art.

Ancient Pontus was located on the southern coast of the Black Sea and encompassed modern-day Turkey. Around about 1,000 BC, Greek adventurers, explorers and traders colonized this coastal region, and set up thriving trade ports.

Your Ancient Greek Drachm Pendant

• Denomination: Tetrachalkon
• Date: 120 - 63 BC
• Mint: Amisos, Pontus in Greek Asia Minor
• Obverse (Front): The Head of Medusa (Gorgon) on Athena’s Aegis
• Reverse (Back): Nike - the Personification of Victory, with Palm Fronds
• Coin Metal: Bronze
• Bezel Metal: Proprietary, Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver 
• Articulating Nautical Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
• Pendant Size Including Bezel (Setting): 1” Across, 1 1/2” Tall - The width of a U.S. quarter.

April's Notes: These rare Ancient Greek bronze coins capture some of the most legendary mythology of the ancient world. With their distinctive imagery that symbolizes protection and victory in an uncertain world, they seem as timely today as they did when they were struck. And, this coin is a beautifully detailed specimen.

The Gorgon - the Medusa of Legend... and Modern Hollywood

Medusa was one of three Gorgons, three mythical sisters who had hair made of live, venomous snakes (talk about the ultimate bad hair day!). 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.

Medusa was slain by the god Persus, who used her head as a weapon to accomplish great feats. Later, he gave Medusa’s head to Athena, who was said to affix it to her aegis. While the exact nature of the aegis is lost to history, it is either a shield or animal-skin that was worn into battle. In fact, Zeus is also said to have used the Medusa on his aegis.

But why? Not only the gods and demigods in the Ancient Greek pantheon utilized the image of Medusa, every-day people did not shy away from using it 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.

The image of the Gorgon appears on buildings and personal items to protect them. The oldest stone pediment (a triangular gable) in Greece – at the temple at Corfu - bears the image of a Gorgon dating to 600 BC.

And, Alexander the Great himself had an image of the Gorgon emblazoned on his breastplate. Given his military track record, it seems to have worked.

Nike, the Personification of Victory...

You will note the wings on Nike. Nike was the personification of Victory - in battle, sport, art, music, love - or any other endeavor. She was closely associated with both Zeus and Athena, and you may be more familiar with her than you think. After all, have you ever heard the phrase “Victory comes on swift wings”?

Now, you can take both a powerful symbol of protection and the ultimate personification of Victory on your life’s journey!

Your Ancient Greek Coin Pendant comes with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Multi-Page Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by April Knecht
3. A 4 page Historic Brief on the history of Greek society and their coins researched and written by April Knecht
4. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
5. Mini Museum Display for then you are not wearing your treasure
6. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card