Thank you for looking at this beautiful example of an ancient Greek silver coin. It features amazing style. This is a great chance to own a piece of history, expand your collection, or give as a gift. All coins are guaranteed authentic for life.
Selge was an important city in ancient Pisidia and later in Pamphylia, on the southern slope of Mount Taurus, modern Antalya Province, Turkey. The town was believed to be a Greek colony, for Strabo states that it was founded by Spartans. The district in which the town was situated was extremely fertile, producing abundance of oil and wine, but the town itself was difficult of access, being surrounded by precipices and beds of torrents flowing towards the Eurymedon and Cestrus. In consequence of its excellent laws and political constitution, Selge rose to the rank of the most powerful and populous city of Pisidia, and at one time was able to send an army of 20,000 men into the field. Owing to these circumstances, and the valour of its inhabitants, for which they were regarded as worthy kinsmen of the Spartans, the Selgians were never subject to any foreign power, but remained in the enjoyment of their own freedom and independence. When Alexander the Great passed through Pisidia (333 BC), Selge sent an embassy to him and gained his favour and friendship.
Obverse: A Gorgon is a creature in Greek mythology. Gorgons occur in the earliest examples of Greek literature. While descriptions of Gorgons vary, the term most commonly refers to three sisters who are described as having hair made of living, venomous snakes and horrifying visages that turned those who beheld them to stone. Traditionally, two of the Gorgons, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal, but their sister Medusa was not and was slain by the demigod and hero Perseus.
Reverse: Athena or Athene, is an ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, warfare, and handicraft who was later syncretized with the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena was regarded as the patron and protectress of various cities across Greece, particularly the city of Athens, from which she most likely received her name. The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is dedicated to her. Her major symbols include owls, olive trees, snakes, and the Gorgoneion. In art, she is generally depicted wearing a helmet and holding a spear.
Ancient Greek
Pisidia, Selge
Circa 300-190 BC
AR silver Obol or Trihemiobol
Obverse: Head of Gorgoneion facing
Reverse: Head of Athena right, spearhead and astragalos behind head
Size: 9 mm, 0.6 grams
Reference:
BMC 29, Sear 5479
Professional Numismatic Notes: Extremely Fine, highly lustrous
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