Ancient Greek Horse and Cup Coin Circa 350 BCE Kyme, Aeolis, Very Fine Condition
711-430
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Product Overview
This ancient Greek coin was minted over 2,370 years ago in the city of Kyme in a region known as Aeolis. The design features a detailed image of the forepart of a horse, while the reverse shows a one-handled drinking cup. Both the horse and jug are often-used imagery for issues from Kyme during this era, likely representing the power of the gods and the strength of their commerce. The cup (also known as kantharos) is frequently used as a reference to the much-loved Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy in Greek mythology. This is a high-quality coin in very fine condition, and includes an information page and certificate of authenticity.
The ancient district of Aeolis in Asia Minor included 12 significant cities, and was made up of Northwestern coastal regions on the Aegean Sea. It also included several offshore islands (Lesbos being the most notable) where Aeolian Greek city-states eventually developed. Within Aeolia, it is believed that Kyme was the largest and most significant city. An easy connection to the sea, as well as the surviving coinage issues which were needed for effective commerce, suggest that Kyme enjoyed flourishing trade.
The depiction of the horse on this coin reflects the significance and value of horses during this time. In Greek society, horses were revered in an almost god-like way. Throughout their mythology, horses are tied to the gods and heroes. It was not uncommon that when praising a god or goddess, a deity would be celebrated for their excellent horse-skills, or even compared to the qualities of a horse. There were many stories of the gods riding horses or being pulled in a horse-drawn chariot; gods would also gift horses to mortals as rewards, such as the instance of Zeus gifting two steeds to Achilles. Poseidon, god of the sea, was strongly tied to horses, and is also the father of the legendary winged Pegasus.
Horses also represented wealth throughout most of Greek history. In addition to their practical value for transportation and commerce, there is also a strong association with royalty. Herodotus once claimed that children should be taught to ride horses, to use a bow and to tell the truth, and that all sons of kings must be educated in the art of war, especially in the art of riding a horse.
Includes:
• Ancient Greek Bronze Horse and Cup Coin, circa 350 BCE
Warranty Information:
This product comes with a 30-day warranty through TSC.
The ancient district of Aeolis in Asia Minor included 12 significant cities, and was made up of Northwestern coastal regions on the Aegean Sea. It also included several offshore islands (Lesbos being the most notable) where Aeolian Greek city-states eventually developed. Within Aeolia, it is believed that Kyme was the largest and most significant city. An easy connection to the sea, as well as the surviving coinage issues which were needed for effective commerce, suggest that Kyme enjoyed flourishing trade.
The depiction of the horse on this coin reflects the significance and value of horses during this time. In Greek society, horses were revered in an almost god-like way. Throughout their mythology, horses are tied to the gods and heroes. It was not uncommon that when praising a god or goddess, a deity would be celebrated for their excellent horse-skills, or even compared to the qualities of a horse. There were many stories of the gods riding horses or being pulled in a horse-drawn chariot; gods would also gift horses to mortals as rewards, such as the instance of Zeus gifting two steeds to Achilles. Poseidon, god of the sea, was strongly tied to horses, and is also the father of the legendary winged Pegasus.
Horses also represented wealth throughout most of Greek history. In addition to their practical value for transportation and commerce, there is also a strong association with royalty. Herodotus once claimed that children should be taught to ride horses, to use a bow and to tell the truth, and that all sons of kings must be educated in the art of war, especially in the art of riding a horse.
Includes:
• Ancient Greek Bronze Horse and Cup Coin, circa 350 BCE
Warranty Information:
This product comes with a 30-day warranty through TSC.
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