thenickelguy Posted June 7, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 7, 2022 My other recent purchase. I had some fun leaning Greek denominations and what an obol was. PISIDIA. Selge 4th c BC obol gorgoneion/Athena astragalus PISIDIA. Selge. Ca. 4th century BC. AR obol (9mm, 0.9 gr 7h). NGC VF. Head of gorgoneion facing with flowing hair / Head of Athena right, wearing crested, winged Attic helmet; astragalus to left. Most resembles Sear 5473 Selge Pisidia AR Trihemiobol. ca 4th-3rd Century BC. Gorgoneion facing / head of Athena right, astragalos behind head. BMC 7; SNG von Aulock 5281; McLean 9015; Sear Greece 5473. The Gorgoneion features the head of the Gorgon Medusa, whose tragic tale is well-known in Greek mythology. Medusa was a Gorgon who was cursed by the Greek goddess Athena for being raped by Poseidon in her temple. The curse turned her, once a beautiful woman, into a hideous monster with snakes for hair and a stare that would instantly kill anyone who looked into her eyes. Medusa was slain by the Greek hero Perseus, who beheaded her while she slept and gifted her severed head to Athena. Even when completely severed from her body, Medusa’s head continued to turn anyone who gazed upon it into stone. I have seen Clash of the Titans (1981) movie a couple times. The best part was when Perseus cut off Medusa's head. Athena accepted the gift and placed it on her aegis (a goatskin shield). It’s said that the head protected Athena during many battles. Athena and Zeus, along with several other major Olympian deities are hardly ever depicted without the Gorgoneion. In this way, Medusa’s head eventually morphed into a symbol of protection. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riley Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 I have a similar (in much worse condition) coin to you! Athena really does not want to be on this coin 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenickelguy Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 9, 2022 My little Obol arrived today. So cool and tiny. I can't imagine that there are 5 smaller denominations that were struck in this Greek monetary structure. It looks just as good as I hoped. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewStyleKing Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 9, 2022 Look at this Gorgon 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenickelguy Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 9, 2022 I see her little head. That is one pretty coin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Snible Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 9, 2022 Selge or Aspendos, gorgoneion/Athena countermarked with another gorgoneion: obol, 14mm, 0.88 gm. (Possibly a contemporary imitation.) ex Heritage, Auction #232221, May 2022, lot #64167 Photo from NGC Photo Vision. I've seen similar countermarks on Aspendos wrestler staters and Persian sigloi. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryro Posted June 9, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 9, 2022 That gorgon is top notch!! I really like the detail on your astragalus as well! Here's mine: You think that Athena is off flan, check out this Apollo! And what is supposed to look like: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 9, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 9, 2022 MAKEDON Philip III Arrhidaios 323-317 BCE Æ 1-2 Unit 17mm 4.2g Miletos mint Makedonwn shield Gorgoneion - Helmet bipennis K Price 2064 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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