Creatures of Greek Myth
Myth & Symbolism Coin Box
This curated selection of ancient coins highlights the powerful myths and sacred creatures that shaped the imagination of the Greek world:
GRIFFIN — Half-eagle, half-lion, the griffin (gryps) symbolized divine guardianship and strength. In Greek lore, these fierce creatures protected the gold-rich mountains of Scythia from the raids of the one-eyed Arimaspians. On this silver diobol from Teos in Ionia (320–294 BCE), a griffin is shown seated with its forepaw raised, alert and watchful, embodying vigilance and authority.
DELPHIN — Dolphins were revered as sea demons in the service of Poseidon, god of the sea. According to myth, after aiding Poseidon in winning the love of the sea-nymph Amphitrite, the dolphin was honored with a place among the stars as the constellation Delphinus. This bronze unit from Syracuse in Sicily (275–215 BCE) depicts twin dolphins, a symbol of both divine favor and maritime power, with Poseidon’s bust on the obverse.
HEIFER — The heifer recalls the story of Io, a Naiad and Argive princess loved by Zeus. When Hera discovered their affair, Zeus transformed Io into a cow to hide her from his jealous wife. Cattle were also sacred to Apollo, god of prophecy and music. This silver drachm from Apollonia in Illyria (circa 229–100 BCE) portrays a heifer, merging myth, cult, and civic identity into a powerful emblem of the city.
Creatures of Greek Myth
Myth & Symbolism Coin Box
This curated selection of ancient coins highlights the powerful myths and sacred creatures that shaped the imagination of the Greek world:
GRIFFIN — Half-eagle, half-lion, the griffin (gryps) symbolized divine guardianship and strength. In Greek lore, these fierce creatures protected the gold-rich mountains of Scythia from the raids of the one-eyed Arimaspians. On this silver diobol from Teos in Ionia (320–294 BCE), a griffin is shown seated with its forepaw raised, alert and watchful, embodying vigilance and authority.
DELPHIN — Dolphins were revered as sea demons in the service of Poseidon, god of the sea. According to myth, after aiding Poseidon in winning the love of the sea-nymph Amphitrite, the dolphin was honored with a place among the stars as the constellation Delphinus. This bronze unit from Syracuse in Sicily (275–215 BCE) depicts twin dolphins, a symbol of both divine favor and maritime power, with Poseidon’s bust on the obverse.
HEIFER — The heifer recalls the story of Io, a Naiad and Argive princess loved by Zeus. When Hera discovered their affair, Zeus transformed Io into a cow to hide her from his jealous wife. Cattle were also sacred to Apollo, god of prophecy and music. This silver drachm from Apollonia in Illyria (circa 229–100 BCE) portrays a heifer, merging myth, cult, and civic identity into a powerful emblem of the city.
