Dekadrachm
This silver dekadrachm dates to 5th century Classical Greece and comes from Syracuse, Sicily. Dekadrachms were used for large payments such as for shipping or weapons; they were not intended for daily use.
The obverse depicts a female’s face surrounded by four dolphins, probably Arethusa, a spring nymph.The dolphins are thought to represent the spring sanctuary located on a rocky island near the town of Syracuse. The reverse shows a chariot pulled by four horses and a charioteer. In his left hand, the charioteer holds the reins. In his The goddess of victory, Nike, flies overhead to crown the charioteer’s head with a wreath.
This coin has been used to create a gold-mounted pendant with a suspension loop.The gold band surrounding the coin is inscribed with: “Quia precium sanguinis est” [This is the price of blood]. This inscription relates to a belief from the Middle Ages, that this coin was one of the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas.
Dekadrachm of Syracuse/One of the thirty pieces of silver/Metal, SIlver (frame), Metal, Gold/5th century AD (coin); Middle Ages (frame)/The Hunt Collection/PD
Dekadrachm of Syracuse/One of the thirty pieces of silver/Metal, SIlver (frame), Metal, Gold/5th century AD (coin); Middle Ages (frame)/The Hunt Collection/PD
Greek coins- some background
Greece as we know it today was completely different in ancient times. It was divided into various city-states (poleis) with Attica being the most important (this is the state in which Athens was located). In approximately 600 BC, city-states began making their own coins. Of course, they were a means of payment. However, they did serve another purpose. The coins had a variety of images on them including important people, gods and heroes, symbols of local significance, and inscriptions. They were used to emphasise the significance and individuality of the city-state where they were made.
City-states also used these coins to send political messages. For instance, Athens issued a dekadrachm with the head of their patron deity Athena one on one side and her sacred symbol, an owl, on the other side. This was issued after the Persian Wars, a major battle in the 5th century BC, in which an alliance of Greek city-states defeated the Persian Empire. The message conveyed is that Athens (Attica) is a powerful city-state but also an advocate for peace.
Greek colonisation in Italy- Syracuse
In the second half of the 5th century BC, Syracuse surpassed Athens and became the centre of the art of die engraving. Dies were blocks of bronze or iron in which designs were carved and then used to stamp designs on both sides of the coin.
You might ask: Why was Syracuse so important? Why were the ancient Greeks in Italy? Between 1200 and 800 BC, Greece went through a period known as the Dark Ages. The major civilisation known as the Mycenaeans collapsed leading to an economic and cultural decline. There is much less archaeological evidence from ancient Greece dating to this period.
However, from 800 BC, Greece experienced a resurgence. Part of this included a major population growth and urbanisation. This is at least partly why Greek city-states began to send groups of people overseas to establish colonies, particularly southern Italy. One such colony was Syracuse, on the Italian island of Sicily. This colony was founded by the Greek city of Corinth in 734 BC.The colony of Syracuse grew so powerful that it became a main rival of Athens, even defeating them in a naval battle in 415 BC.
Map of Sicily showing Syracuse.
Sources
Martin, Thomas R. An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to Alexander. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0009%3Achapter%3D3
Astour, Michael C. Ancient Greek Civilsation in Southern Italy. The Journal of Aesthetic Education, Vol. 19, No. 1, Special Issue: Paestum and Classical Culture: Past and Present (Spring, 1985), pp. 23-37. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3332556
Perseus Digital Library
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/artifact?object=Site&name=Syracuse
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
https://www.smb.museum/en/whats-new/detail/after-more-than-70-years-a-precious-decadrachm-is-returning-to-the-staatliche-museen-zu-berlins-muenzkabinett/
Ancient Greek Coins Notes: Ashmolean Museum.
https://www.ashmolean.org/sites/default/files/ashmolean/documents/media/learn_pdf_resources_greece_ancient_greek_coins_notes_for_teachers.pdf
