Images on Coins
Communities and rulers in the ancient world used their coinage to make significant statements about themselves to the wider world. Food, or deities related to agricultural success, were frequently used as part of this propaganda.
Obverse, Arethusa (Goddess of Water)
KM 94795/ 94922
ca. 474-450 BC
Mint: Syracuse, Sicily
Reverse, Octopus
KM 94795/ 94922
ca. 474-450 BC
Mint: Syracuse, Sicily
This remarkably preserved bronze coin is approximately the same size as an American dime. The decision to put an octopus on the civic coinage of Syracuse may well reflect the high status of this delicacy in Sicily.
Obverse, Eagle
Reverse, Crab
KM 94772
ca. 483-475 BC
Mint: Acragas (modern Agrigento), Sicily
Obverse, Eagle
Reverse, Crab
KM 94790
ca. 475-460 BC
Mint: Acragas (modern Agrigento), Sicily
Minting coins in antiquity was somewhat similar to the process used today. Hot metal was placed between two dies and the coin struck. Results could vary: compare thse two crab coins, one of which was struck off-center and flawed.
Silver Coin
Obverse, Barley Ear
Reverse, Barley Ear
KM 91.2.27
530-510 BC
Mint: Metapontum, Italy
Silver Coin
Obverse, Head of Persephone
Reverse, Barley Ear
KM 7913
1 330-300 BC
Mint: Metapontum, Italy
The barley ear was the traditional symbol of the Greek colony of Metapontum - a good example of the importance of grain in the ancient diet. Persephone, who here wears a barley wreath, was the daughter of Demeter, the major agricultural goddess worshipped by the Greeks. When Persephone was abducted by her uncle Hades to live with him in the underworld, her mother mourned, and the earth did not bear fruit until Persephone's return.
Silver Coin
Obverse, Satyr
KM 27225
ca 411-350
BC Mint: Thasos, Greece
Silver Coin
Reverse, Amphora
KM 27225
ca 411-350 BC
Mint: Thasos, Greece
 
A satyr - half-man, half-beast and famous for drunken and lewd behavior - kneels on the obverse of this coin, holding a drinking cup known as a kantharos. On the reverse is an amphora, a vessel used for transporting wine (among other things). Represented in this single coin are the two chief trades of Thasos: silver and wine. But satyrs are hardly admirable citizens to represent you on your coinage!