Ancient Greece - 400-300 BCE Mysia, Parium AR Hemidrachm NGC Choice AU

From the Faces in Time Collection of Ancient coinage (16).

MYSIA. Parium, c. 4th Century BC. AR hemidrachm (2.40 g). NGC Choice AU, 5/5, 4/5. Obverse: head of Gorgoneion facing out with tongue protruding below upper row of teeth. Coiled snakes about. Reverse: Bull standing left, with head to the right and ivy leaf below. ΠA/PI. SNG Copenhagen 266.

Gorgoneion upon the Tondo of an ancient Greek Attic black-figure cup, c. end of 6th Century BC, from Cabinet des médailles de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, France.

In ancient Greek culture, the Gorgoneion (Greek: Γοργόνειον) was an apotropaic amulet that displayed the Gorgon head, which was used by Olympian deities Athena and Zeus. It is believed that both of them wore the gorgoneion as a defensive pendant, and are often presented wearing it. Wearing it established their heritage from previous deities. Among other powers, it was assumed by rulers from the Hellenistic Age as a royal aegis that represented divine birth or protection, as presented, for example, upon the Alexander Mosaic and the Gonzaga Cameo.