Ancient Greece - AR Hemidrachm - Minted in Mysia - Circa 400-300 BCE
$1,995
Denomination: AR Hemidrachm
Mint: Mysia, Parium
Date: 400-300 BCE
Weight: 2.6 gm
Mount: Sterling Silver
Grade: NGC - 8213876-001 - VF
Description: Parium, Mysia. Obverse: Head of Gogoneion facing, tongue protruding, serpents around head. Reverse: IIA-PI above and beneath bull standing left, head turned back, club below.
History: In Greek mythology Gorgons were female and known for their terrifying appearance, including snakes for hair and the ability to turn men into stone. The most famous of the Gorgons was Medusa, who was mortal and beheaded by Perseus. The other two Gorgons, Steno and Euryale, were immortal.
The Parium Mysia Silver Hemidrachm is a fascinating example of ancient Greek coinage. Produced in the city of Parium, located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, this coin serves as an important relic of the region's historical and cultural legacy. Parium was part of the ancient Greek city-states that flourished in the area of Mysia, and its strategic position as a port city helped it thrive in trade, commerce, and maritime activities. The coin, a silver hemidrachm, was widely used during the classical period, providing us with a tangible connection to the daily life and economy of the ancient world. As with many ancient Greek coins, it provides insight into the artistic, economic, and cultural practices of its time, as well as the specific iconography associated with the city of Parium.
