Perseus and Medusa

Perseus - Medusa Coin Series

Perseus, son of Danae (daughter of the King of Argos) is famed in Greek mythology for defeating (beheading Medusa) and freeing Andromeda from a sea monster or Titon released by the god Poseidon. There are a number of coins imaging aspects of this mythology. A representative sample of these if provided below.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Hadrian 117-138 AD. AR Tridrachm 26mm 9.01g Apollo, standing by tripod and holding branch, greeting Perseus, who holds harpa. (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anemurium Anonymous ca. 2nd cent. A.D. Æ 21mm Obv: Bust of Athena, wearing Aegis. Rev: Perseus stdg l., hldg Gorgon´s head and harpa ΑΝƐΜΟΥΡΙƐωΝ Ref: SNG Levante 489, see RPC collection v4, 10259 (Author's collection)

PHRYGIA, Sebaste. Caracalla 198-211 AD 38.5 mm. 27.46 gm. 6h Perseus slaying medusa. Boston Fine Arts collection

PHRYGIA, Sebaste. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ 34mm Perseus cutting off the head of Medusa. (image courtesy of CNG)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Caracalla 193-211 AD. Æ 34mm Perseus holding head of Medusa and harpa. (James Stephenson collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Septimius Severus (193-211 AD). Æ 36mm, 25.56g Obv: AVT KAI Λ CЄΠ CЄVHPOC ΠЄP / Π - Π. Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev: AΔPI CЄVHPIANHC TAPCOY MHTPOΠOΛЄωC / ΓB. Perseus standing left, holding harpa and patera over altar; to left, small statue of Apollo Lykeios on column, holding in each hand wolf by forelegs. Ref: SNG BN -; cf. SNG Levante 1024 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Maximinus AE 37mm 23.17g Perseus holding head of Medusa and harpa. SNG France 1614 (Author's collection)

CILICIA. Tarsus. Maximinus I (AD 235-238). Æ 24.5gr. 36.4mm Obv: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right Rev: Perseus standing facing, holding harpa and head of Medusa. Ref: SNG Levante -. SNG France 1614 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Anemurium. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ (30mm, 16.79 g, 6h). Dated RY 1 (235/6 AD). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Perseus standing facing, head left, holding harpa and severed gorgoneion. SNG Levante suppl. 119 (this coin). (Image courtesy of CNG; ex. Bill Hearn collection; James Stephenson collection)

CILICIA, Coropissus. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ (32mm). AYT K Γ I OYH MAΞIMЄINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / KOPOΠICCЄωN THC KHTN MHTPOΠOΛЄωC, The Rescue of Andromeda: Perseus standing right, holding harpa and head of Medusa, taking hand of Andromeda, veiled, standing left; head of sea monster Cetus below. Cf. RPC VI Online 6923; cf. SNG BN 770; cf. SNG Levante Supl 157 (Image courtesy of CNG)

CILICIA, Coropissus. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ (32mm, 16.55 g, 6h). AYT K Γ I OYH MAΞIMЄINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / KOPOΠICCЄωN THC KHTN MHTPOΠOΛЄωC, The Rescue of Andromeda: Perseus standing right, holding harpa and head of Medusa, taking hand of Andromeda, veiled, standing left; head of sea monster Cetus below. Cf. RPC VI Online 6923; cf. SNG BN 770; cf. SNG Levante 590 (refs. for Perseus on right, Andromeda on left); Numismatik Naumann 63, lot 250 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Coropissos. Maximinus I 235-238 AD. 31mm, 15.76g. Perseus and Andromeda, Levante 590 (image courtesy of Gorny & Mosch)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Maximinus I (AD 235-238) Æ 37mm, 22.1g Obv: Laureat, draped, and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right; AYT•K•Γ• IOY•OYH•MAΞIMЄINOC•CЄ• / Π - Π Rev: Apollo standing right, clasping hands with Perseus holding harpa. TAPCOY• THC MHTPOΠΟΛЄ / A / M / K / Γ•Β Ref: SNG Levante 1102, SNG Paris 1611 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Balbinus 238 A.D. AE36mm 24.39g Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; Perseus standing left, holding Gorgon's head and harpa. SNG Paris 1627 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Pupienus. 238 AD. Æ 36mm (26.48 gm). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; Perseus standing left, holding Gorgon's head and harpa. SNG Levante 1112 (this coin); SNG France 1637 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III (238-244 A.D.) AE 35mm Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; Perseus standing left, holding Gorgon's head and harpa. SNG Paris 1710 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III (238-244 A.D.) AE 37mm Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; Perseus standing left, holding Gorgon's head and harpa. (copyright c Dave Hendin; James Stephenson collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ 38mm. Perseus standing right, holding harpa and small statue of Apollo Lyceius; before him, fisherman standing left, holding two fish and basket slung over rod. SNG Levante Supplement 288 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ (38mm, 30.32 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Perseus standing right, holding harpa and small statue of Apollo Lyceius with wolves; before him, fisherman standing left, holding two fish and basket slung over rod. RPC VII.2 3093.1 = SNG Levante Supp. 288 (this coin); SNG BN 1647 var. (bust seen from behind); SNG Levante 111 var. (same). Brown patina, porosity, minor earthen deposits. Extremely rare, only this coin known to RPC. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 177 (28 November 2007), lot 158; Classical Numismatic Group 66 (19 May 2004), lot 1206; Kölner Münzkabinett 54 (11 November 1991), lot 367; Sternberg 10 (25 November 1980); lot 514. (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ 35mm (26.34 g). Perseus, holding phiale and harpa, and Demeter (or priestess) holding lighted torch in each hand, flanking garlanded altar with bull lying left before; behind altar, upper portion of two figures, column surmounted by cult statue of Apollo Lykeios. SNG France 1644; SNG Levante 1119; SNG Levante Supl 283 (this coin; Bill Hearn collection)

CILICIA. Tarsos. Gordian III (238-244). AE 35mm 20.28g Obv: AVT K ANT ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CEB Π Π. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: TAPCOY MHTPOΠOΛЄΩC A M / K Γ B. Altar flanked by Demeter and Perseus; behind, warrior and female figure (emperor and empress ?); in the background, column surmounted by the statue of Apollo. SNG France 1644 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Aigaei. Philip II, as Caesar (Year 292; AD 245-6) Perseus holding harpa and head of Medusa, shield below. SNG Levante 1782 (Ed Snible collection)

CILICIA, Aigaei. Philip II 244-249 AD. 21mm Perseus holding harpa and head of Medusa, shield below. SNG Levante 1782 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Trajan Decius. AD 249-251. Æ 33mm Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; Perseus standing left, holding Victory, sword, and head of Medusa. SNG Levante 1177; SNG France 1757-8 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus Trajan Decius, 249 - 251 AD Æ 22.53g Obv: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Γ ΜΕΣ ΚΥΙΝ ΔΕΚΙΟΣ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟΣ / Π - Π, draped armor bust with radiate crown Rev: ΤΑΡΣΟΥ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩΣ / Α Μ / Κ / Γ Β, the founding heroes of Tarsus, Perseus, nude, n. L. standing, holding in his left hand Harpe and Medusa, in front of him fisherman in trouser dress n. r. standing, shouldering a fishing rod with a fish and a basket hanging from it. Ref: SNG BN 1759; SNG Levante 1158 ex. German Private Collection of E.L. ex M & M 34, No. 266 (May 26, 2011) Gorny & Mosch 265 #1106 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Trebonianus Gallus. 251-254 AD. Æ 32mm (18.60g, 1h). Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Perseus standing facing, head left, holding cultus statue of Apollo Lykeios standing on omphalos, holding wolves, and harpa and Gorgonion. SNG Levante 1176; SNG Paris 1789 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Valerian I. 253-260 AD. AE 31mm 17.02g Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Perseus standing facing, head left, holding cultus statue of Apollo Lykeios standing on omphalos, holding wolves, and harpa and Gorgonion. SNG France 1809 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Valerian I. 253-260 AD. Æ 29mm (13.20g, 6h). Struck after 254-5 AD. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Tyche of Tarsus seated right, being crowned by Perseus standing left, holding harpe; to left of Tyche, Hercules standing right, below, river-god Cydnus swimming left. SNG Levante 1188; SNG France 1824 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gallienus (253-268 AD). AE 33mm Perseus holding harpa and apollo lykeus (image courtesy of Artemide Aste)

Associated Myths of Perseus and Medusa

The power of the gorgon Medusa was so great that her severed head became a natural apotropaic device. Although Zeus was known to have occasionally employed its protective ability, it became traditionally associated with Athena in the form of the aegis, a scaly cape fringed with snakes, upon which the head of Medusa was attached. Rarely is the head of Medusa associated with mortals, because of its ability to petrify living flesh. The legendary history of Tegea, however, provides one such occasion. According to Apollodoros (Bib. 2.7.3), Herakles wished to engage the assistance of King Kepheus of Tegea in Herakles’ war against the Lakedaimonians. In return for his help, Kepheus required some protection for the city, fearing an attack by the Argives in his absence. Herakles, then, received a jar containing a lock of Medusa’s hair from Athena (Pausanias 8.47.5, however, says Kepheus received the hair directly from Athena), which he then gave to Kepheus’ daughter, Sterope. If the enemy advanced upon Tegea, she could drive them off by holding up the lock of hair three times with her face turned away, while standing on the city walls.

ARKADIA, Tegea. Circa 50-25 BC. Æ Hexachalkon or hemiobol 19mm. Head of Aleos right, wearing tainia; Kepheos standing right, holding spear and shield, extending hand to Athena, standing left, holding spear and lock of Medusa’s hair; between, monogram above and below Sterope standing right, holding up vessel to receive the lock. BCD Peloponnesos 1749 (Author's collection)

ARKADIA, Tegea. Circa 50-25 BC. Æ Tetrachalkon Head of Eileithuia left, two grain ears in hair;/ Athena standing right, holding spear, placing lock of Medusa’s hair into vessel held by Sterope, who is standing left; monograms above and between. BCD Peloponnesos 1750.2

ARKADIA, Tegea. Circa 50-25 BC. Æ Tetrachalkon 19mm. Head of Eileithuia left, two grain ears in hair; Athena standing right, holding spear, placing lock of Medusa’s hair into vessel held by Sterope, who is standing left; monograms above and between. BCD Peloponnesos 1750.2. (Author's collection)

Medusa and the Author at the Temple of Hadrian (Ephesus)

Trade Weight Laodicea ad Mare (ca. 2nd-3rd cent AD) Pb ¼ Mine; 71mm, 138.00g Obv: Medusa, facing, surrounded by snakes; LAODI-KEWN / TWN PROS / QALASSI / TETARTON, Rev: Blank Ref: ex. Gorny & Mosch 169, lot 490 - 2008 (Author's collection)

Roman Imperial. Augustus 27 B.C.-14 A.D. Aureus 8.20g Medusa or Gorgon head with triskeles. Calico 124 (image courtesy of Kunker 174)

Roman Republican. L. Plautius Plancus. 47 BC. AR Denarius. Medusa mask (image courtesy of CNG)

Roman Republican. L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Claudius Marcellus. 49 B.C. AR denarius. medusa facing in triskeles

SICILY, Iaitia . Circa 1st Century BC. Æ 23mm (image courtesy of CNG/Triton V)

SICILY, Panormus. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ 23mm 9.95g. Facing head of Medusa in triskeles. (image courtesy of CNG)

Septimius Severus/Caracalla Medusa Series

The following is a very interesting series of issues struck for Septimius Severus and Caracalla. There are two main types: one of them imaging the Gorgoneion, with Medusa's head on Minerva's aegis, whereas the other, image the head of Medusa herself. Shown facing slightly to left, with wings on her head and two serpents hanging down from her curly hair. These coins have traditionally been dated to 207 through an Aureus of the same type for Septimius Severus that gives us his 15th tribunician power (RIC 205A), until the emergence of a unique Denarius of Caracalla with his 11th tribunician power (Aureo & Calicó, Imagines Imperatorum, 15 February 2012, 167 = CNG 36, 6 December 1995, 2437) showed that the series must have been extended into early 208. It was probably struck in anticipation of the upcoming British campaign of 208 and proclaims the foresight (providentia) of the emperors. Through the Gorgoneion, the issue is closely connected to Minerva, a member of the Capitoline Triad and one of Septimius' favorite deities, whereas Medusa, known for her ability to turn her enemies into stone, undoubtedly serves as a symbol of strength of the Severan dynasty, and as a warning to its adversaries.

ROME. Septimius Severus, 193 – 211. Aureus 202-210, AV 6.99 g. Laureate head r. Rev. Head of Medusa or Gorgoneion facing. C 589. RIC 285. Calicó 2523. Warszawskie Centrum Numizmatyczne 59 lot #17 (Author's collection)

ROME. Septimius Severus 193-211 AD. AR Denarius ca. 207, AR 3.52 g. Head of Medusa. C 590. BMC 356. RIC 285 NAC 45 (image courtesy of Numismatic Ars Classica)

Septimius Severus Denarius circa 202-210, AR 3.10 g. Medusa on aegis. RIC 286. BMC 357 (image courtesy of Ars Classica)

Rome. Caracalla 198-211 AD. Aureus circa 207, AV 7.28 g Head of Medusa/Gorgon. Calicó 2800 - one of two known and finest (image courtesy of Numismatica Ars Classica)

ROME. Caracalla, 198-217 AD. AR Denarius (18 mm, 3.17 g, 5 h), ca. 207-208. Head of Medusa. Leu 1 lot #259 (image courtesy of Leu Numismatics)

Baktria Antimachos II. Circa 174-165 BC. AE22 aegis; Wreath and palm

Baktria Polyxenos. Circa 100 BC. AE 21 bust of Pallas Athena right; Aegis

Syria, Seleukid Kings. Antiochos IV. 175-164 BC. AR Hemidrachm. Antioch mint.

SELEUKID KINGS of SYRIA. Antiochos IV. 175-164 BC. Æ 15mm

Seleukid Kingdom. Antioch on the Orontes. Alexander I Balas 152-145 BC. Bronze Æ 11m 1.85g Medusa and Pegasus (Author's collection, image courtesy of Slovoca)

SYRIA Seleukos I. Nikator, 312 - 281 B.C. AE 20mm (6.67 gm). Antioch mint. Winged head of Medusa. (Bill Hearn collection)

CYCLADES, Seriphos. Circa 2nd Century BC. Æ 20mm (image courtesy of CNG)

LYCAONIA, Iconium. Anonymous Æ15, 3.32g. c. 1st Cent. BC - 1st Cent. AD. Hd. of Dionysos r., Gorgoneion on reverse. vAulock, Lykaonien 200. (Author's collection)

MYSIA. Parion. Ae 15mm, 3.89g (Circa 2nd-1st centuries BC) Head of Medusa (Author's collection)

LESBOS, Eresos. 1st century BC. Æ Dichalkon 16mm, 2.00g, Gorgoneion facing SNG vAulock 1736 (courtesy of CNG)

CARIA. Uncertain. Drachm (5th century BC) 15mm 3.95g Gorgon with wings. (image courtesy of Nauman Numismatics)

Imperial bust with Gorgon or Medusa on breastplate (Capitoline museum in Rome)

CORINTHIA, Corinth AR Stater (8.57g, 22mm, 6h) ca. 345-307 BC. Pegasos flying left; aegis behind. Pegasi 427; Ravel 1009; SNG Copenhagen 71 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Soloi-Pompeiopolis. 2nd-1st centuries BC. Æ 25mm (9.81 g, 12h). Gorgoneion at center of aegis, Aphrodite, riding bull. SNG France 1195 (Bill Hearn collection)

CILICIA, Soloi-Pompeiopolis. 2nd-1st centuries BC. Æ 27mm Gorgoneion at center of aegis, Aphrodite, riding bull. SNG France 1195 (Author's collection)

MYSIA, Parion. Circa 2nd-1st Century BC. 23mm (image courtesy of CNG)

CILICIA, Uncertain. 4th century BC. AR Obol Gorgoneion

ISLANDS off CARIA, Rhodes. Circa 205-200 BC. AR Didrachm. Cretan War issue. Winged head of Medusa. (image courtesy of CNG)

PAPHLAGONIA, Sinope. Circa 85-65 BC. AE 22mm Aegis; Nike walking right. SNG Copenhagen 309

PONTOS, Kabeira. Circa 120-100 BC. Æ 22mm. Three-quarter facing head of gorgoneion. SNG BM Black Sea 1243

Pontos, Amisos. Under Mithradates VI Eupator. Ca. 85-65 B.C. Æ (21 mm, 7.45 g, 12 h). Aegis. Callatay pl. XLIX, D; SNG BM 1191; RG 44 (Author's collection)

Pontos, Amisos. Under Mithradates VI Eupator. Ca. 85-65 B.C. Æ 21mm Aegis (Author's collection)

PONTOS, Amisos Time of Mithradates VI Eupator circa 85-65 BC.; Æ 22mm, 6.48g Obv: Aegis Rev: AMI-ΣOΥ, Nike walking right, holding palm tied with fillet over left shoulder; monograms left and right. Ref: SNG BMC Black Sea 1180-1182; SNG Stancomb 689; SNG Copenhagen 171; SNG von Aulock 6725; Laffaille 412; Waddington Recueil, pg. 57, 44 (Author's collection)

PONTOS. Amisos. Ae (Circa 85-65 BC). 21mm, 8.62g Aegis with Gorgon; Nike with Palm (Author's collection)

Pontos. Amisos. Time of Mithradates VI Eupator 120-63 BC 23mm 7.25g (Author's collection)

Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 550-500 BC. Head of youthful Perseus. Von Fritze 65; SNG France 193. 16.16g, 21mm (image courtesy of Roma coins)

CARIA, Kindya. Circa 510-480 BC. Lot of Two AR Tetrobols. 11mm, 1.96g Head of sea monster (ketos or Cetus), Incuse geometric pattern. Ketos was the sea monster sent by Poseidon to devour Andromeda. As the myth describes, Perseus slayed Ketos, rescuing Andromeda from the cliffs of Joppa. SNG von Aulock 2340 (image courtesy of CNG; from the Bill Hearn collection)

KYZIKOS. Mysia. Ca. 500-450 BC. El Stater. Perseus holding head of Medusa. Von Fritze 162, Boston MFA 1548. (image courtesy of Gemini)

KINGS of MACEDON. Philip V. 221-179 B,C. AR Tetradrachm 34mm Helmeted head of the hero Perseus left, harpa over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield. Mamroth, Philip 2; Boston MFA 717 (image courtesy of CNG)

KINGS of MACEDON, Philip V. ca 221-179 BC Head of Perseus on shield, helmet. SNG Alpha Bank 1069, AMNG III-2 194.32 (Author's collection)

PONTOS, Amisos. time of Mithradates VI Eupater (85-65 B.C.) AE 28mm 19.30g SNG Copenhagen 137 (Author's collection)

PONTOS, Amisos. Mithradates VI. 120-63 BC. Æ 23mm Struck circa 85-65 BC. Helmeted head of Perseus right; Pegasos standing left; monograms below. SNG BM Black Sea 1215 (Author's collection)

KINGS of MACEDON. Perseus. 179-168 BC. Æ 19mm Head of hero Perseus, Eagle standing left SNG Alpha Bank 1135-8 (Author's collection)

PONTOS, Amisos. Mithradates VI. Eupator (120-63 BC). Head of Perseus and winged harpa. (image courtesy of Rauch coins)

SELEUKID KINGS OF SYRIA. Seleukos I Nikator, 312-281 BC. (17 mm, 3.40 g, 2 h), Antioch on the Orontes, late 280's head of Medusa. (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium. 18mm Head of Zeus; Perseus holding head of Medusa and harpa. SNG BN Paris 2272; Von Aulock, Lykaonia 209 (Author's collection)

Lycaonia, Iconium. Pseudo-autonomous issue, c. 1st-2nd century AD. Æ 14mm, 2.58g, 12h. Herakles and Perseus RPC II 216 vAulock 300 (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA. Iconium. 1st century BC. Dichalkon (Bronze, 16 mm, 4.48 g, 12 h). Turreted head of Tyche to right. Rev. ЄIKONI-ЄΩN Perseus standing left on base, holding harpa in raised right hand and head of Medusa in left. BMC -. SNG Paris -. SNG vom Aulock, Lykaonien, 199. Extremely rare, von Aulock recorded a single specimen. (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium. Gallienus, 253-268 AD. AE 24mm 5.26g Perseus and Medusa with Harpa. (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium. Nero 54-68 AD. 20mm, 6.12g Perseus r., harpa above head. RPC 3545. (Bill Hearn collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium. Titus 69-79 AD. 17mm, 5.11g. Perseus r., harpa behind head. RPC 1608.3; SNG BnF 2285; SNG von Aulock 5389 (Author's collection)

LYKAONIA, Iconium. ca. 1st cent. 20mm 7.42g Perseus with harpa and small head of Medusa; Zeus seated (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium Claudius 41-54 AD Annius Afrinus, legatus Æ 20mm, 3.68g. Obv: ANNIOC AΦPЄINOC. Bare head of Annius Afrinus right. Rev: KΛAVΔЄIKONIЄωN. Perseus standing left, holding harpa and severed head of Medusa. Ref: RPC I 3543; SNG von Aulock 8645 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Aegeae. Galba. AD 68-69. Æ (27mm, 13.36 g, 12h). Dated Caesarean Era 115 (68/9 AD). Head of Perseus right, wearing cap with Gorgoneion’s head; harpa over shoulder / Helmeted and draped bust of Athena left; to right, ЄIP (date) above monogram; c/ms: serpent-entwined staff within incuse rectangle and goat kneeling left within incuse circle. Haymann 20a = RPC II 1770.1 = SNG Levante 1700 (this coin); SNG BN –. For c/ms: Howgego 430 and cf. 313. Mottled black-green patina, slight roughness. Near VF. Rare. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 360 (30 September 2015), lot 243; Edoardo Levante Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 484 (Author's collection)

CILICIA, Aegeae. Valerian 31mm, 20.37g, 6h. zodiac with medusa. (image courtesy of Numismatic, National Museums in Berlin Acc. 1873) - what an amazing coin!

Mosaic of Perseus saving Andromeda from Titan in Joppa - Zeugma, TU

LYDIA, Daldis. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Medallion (48mm, , 6h). L. Aur. Hephaestionos, principal archon for the second time. AVT K • M ANT ΓOPΔIAN[OC], laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Є–Π • Λ • AVP H–ΦAICTIΩNOC APX A T B, ΔAΛΔIAN/ΩN, Perseus advancing left, approaching the three Gorgon sisters (Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa) sleeping below a tree; winged Hypnos stands behind them; to upper left, Apollo Citharoedus within tetrastyle temple; to lower left, horse standing left, head right. RPC VII.1, 200 (A1/R1); Kraft pl. 45, 57 (image courtesy of Triton/CNG)

CILICIA, Rhosus. Trajan 98-117 A.D. Æ 30mm Emperor as Perseus holding harpa and head of Medusa; PΩC[EΩN] ET . RPC III, 6546 (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA, Iconium Hadrian (117-138 AD) Æ 18mm, 2.59g Obv: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС ΚΑΙСΑΡ. Bare head of emperor, left. Rev: ΚΛΑΥΔЄΙΚΟΝΙЄωΝ. Perseus standing facing, head right, holding harpa and severed head of Medusa. Ref: RPC III 2825; SNG France 2286 = Waddington 4767 (Author's collection)

CAPPADOCIA. Tyana. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Hemiassarion (Bronze, 18 mm, 4.24 g, 1 h), time of Trajan, 98-117. Turreted and draped bust of the city-goddess to right. Rev. TYANЄωN Perseus standing front, head to left, holding patera in his right hand and harpa in his left. BMC 1. Henseler 1001 (3 specimens; Author's collection)

CAPPADOCIA. Tyana. Antoninus Pius 138-160 AD). AE 19mm Perseus standing holding harpa and head of Medusa. UISC (Author's collection)

CAPPADOCIA, Tyana. Hadrian 135-136 (RY 20) AD Æ 17mm, 2.8g ΑΥΤΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΡ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹΤ, laureate head right / ΤΥΑΝΕΩΝ ΤΩ ΠΡ Τ ΙΕΡ ΑϹ, Perseus standing facing, holding head of Medusa and harpa; ΕΤ-Κ (date) across fields. RPC 2958; Ganschow 1014 (Author's collection)

CAPPADOCIA, Tyana Time of Hadrian 117-138 AD Dated CY 20 (135-136 AD) Æ 16mm, 3.60g Obv.: ΑΥTO ΚΑΙ ΤΡ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС СЄBACT; Laureate head right Rev.: TYANЄΩΝ T ΠΡ ΤΑ ΙЄΡ ΑСΥ ΑΥΤ / ЄT – K; Harpa with severed head of Medusa as hilt Ref: Unpublished (Author's collection)

ACHAEA, Argos, Lucius Verus (161-169 A.D.) AE 24 (LHS Nuismatic AG 96, 1197)

CAPPADOCIA, Tyana Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ 22m, 9.40g (year 4 = 195/6 AD) Obv: Laureate bust of emperor right AY Λ CЄΠ CЄOYHPOC Rev: TYANЄωN T Π T IЄP ACYΛOY K AY / ЄT - Δ. Perseus standing facing, head right, holding harpa and head of Medusa. (see Lindgren I A1741A/CNG 51 #971) Ref: Unpublished (Author's collection)

CAPPADOCIA, Tyana Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. Æ 22mm Obv: Laureate bust of emperor right AY Λ CЄΠ CЄOYHPOC Rev: TYANЄωN T Π T IЄP ACYΛOY K AY / ЄT - Δ. Perseus standing facing, head right, holding harpa and head of Medusa. (see Lindgren I A1741A/CNG 51 #971) Ref: Unpublished (Author's collection)

PHILISTIA, Joppa. Julia Domna. (193-217 A.D.) AE 22mm Perseus holding the head of Medusa and Harpa. (unpublished) - (formerly Author's collection)

JUDAEA, Akko Ptolemais. Caracalla 198-217 AD, Æ 25mm, 11.16g. Obverse: Laureate head of Caracalla right. Reverse: Perseus standing left, holding head of Medussa in right hand, harpa in left arm. Rosenberger -; Kadman -; Sofaer 172. ex. Dr. Patrick Tan Collection (Author’s collection)

PHOENICIA, Ace-Ptolemais. Macrinus. AD 217-218. 24mm Perseus and Medusa unpublished (Ralph DeMarco collection)

PHOENICIA, Ake-Ptolemaïs. Severus Alexander. A.D. 222-235. Æ (21 mm, 5.83g). IMP CAES M [AV]R S-EV ALE[XANDER AVG], laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / [COL]ONI-A PTOLEMAIS, Perseus standing left, holding head of Medusa and harpa.(Author's collection)

PHOENICIA, Ake-Ptolemaïs. Severus Alexander. A.D. 222-235. Æ (17 mm, 3.52 g, 12 h). IMP CAES M [AV]R S-EV ALE[XANDER AVG], laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / [COL]ONI-A PTOLEMAIS, Perseus standing left, holding head of Medusa and harpa. (formerly Author's collection)

SYRIA, Coele-Syria, Damascus. Macrinus, 217-218 AD. Æ Hexassarion 33mm, 26.51g, 7h Obv: AΥT KAI M OΠ CЄ MAKPINOC CEB Laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus to right, breastplate decorated with gorgoneion Rev: ΔAMACKΟΥ MHTPOΠOΛЄOC Perseus advancing left, wearing Phrygian helmet, raising his right hand and holding harpa and head of Medusa with his left. Ref: Unpublished; Leu 19 lot#2388 (Author's collection)

Pompeii mozaic of Perseus and Andromeda

Perseus rescues Andromeda

The reverse of the first coin depicts a scene from the myth of Perseus where he rescues the daughter of King Cepheus in return for her hand in marriage. Cepheus' queen Cassiopeia boasted that she was more beautiful than the Nereids and as a punishment, Poseidon flooded the kingdom and sent a sea-monster to "ravage" the land. King Cepheus consulted the oracle of Zeus-Ammon and was told that he would have to sacrifice his daughter Andromeda to the monster to appease it. Andromeda was chained to a cliff and it was at this point that Perseus, returning from slaying Medusa, flew by on Pegasus and immediately fell in love with Andromeda. He arranged with Cepheus to kill the sea-monster if he could marry Andromeda. The coin type depicts Perseus helping Andromeda down from the cliff-face after he has killed the monster and released her.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. Æ Drachm 31mm. 22.46g Perseus rescuing Andromeda from the cliffs of Joppa. Köln 1856; Dattari 2990; Milne 2421 (image courtesy of CNG)

THRACE, Deultum. Macrinus (217-218 A.D.) AE 24mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Diadumenian (217-218 A.D.) AE 24mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (unpublished) - (image courtesy of Ivan Varbanov)

THRACE, Deultum. Severus Alexander (222-235 A.D.) AE 19mm 3.77g Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (unpublished) - (Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Julia Mamaea (222-235 A.D.) AE 22mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (unpublished) - (formerly Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Maximus, Caesar. 235-238 AD. Æ 25mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. Varbanov 2484 (Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Gordian III. 238-244 AD. Æ 25mm (7.83 gm). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (formerly Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Gordian III (238-244 A.D.) AE 24mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (Bill Hearn collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Tranquillina (wife of Gordian III) (238-244 A.D.) AE 24 Perseus rescuing Andromeda. (formerly Author's collection)

THRACE, Deultum. Philip I (244-249 A.D.) AE 24mm Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (image courtesy of Numismatik Lanz 144)

THRACE, Deultum. Philip I (244-249 A.D.) AE 24mm (7.75g) Perseus standing left, holding a harpa and Medusa's head with his left hand, using his right hand to help Andromeda down off some rocks; dead sea monster at feet. (Bill Hearn collection)

Medusa and the Gorgon's Head

Stone head of Medusa from Ephesus

TROAS. Abydos (c.410 B.C.), Gold Stater, 8.58g,. Gorgoneion (image courtesy of NY sale 27)

Lesbos, Mytilene. Circa 521-478 BC. EL Hekte (2.57 gm). gorgoneion,

THRACE, Apollonia Pontika. Late 5th-4th centuries BC. AR Drachm (13mm, 3.27 g, 3h). Facing gorgoneion. SNG BM Black Sea 150-2; SNG Copenhagen 453; SNG Stancomb 34 (Bill Hearn collection)

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AV Tetralitron (image courtesy of CNG/Triton VII)

SICILY, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 BC. AV Dilitron (image courtesy of CNG/Triton VII)

LESBOS. Circa 550-500 BC. Billon Stater (image courtesy of CNG/Triton V)

MACEDON, Neapolis. Circa 500-480 BC. AR Stater (image courtesy of CNG/Triton VIII)

Sicily, Himera, Hemilitron, ca. 430-420 BC; Æ 26mm, 24.47g, 4h; Facing gorgoneion Six pellets. CNS 23; SNG ANS 180; HGC 2, 472 Bertolami 92 (Author's collection)

Gorgon on breastplate of diety in Acropolis museum in Athens

ETRURIA, Populonia. After 211 BC. AR 20 Asses . Gorgoneion facing (image courtesy of CNG)

SICILY, Kamarina. Circa 420-405 BC. Æ Tetras (image courtesy of Pecunum)

THRACE, Apollonia Pontika. Late 5th-4th centuries BC. Drachm (Silver, 13mm, 2.88 g 10). Facing gorgoneion (Author's collection)

THRACE, Apollonia Pontika. Mid-late 4th century BC. Drachm (Silver, 13mm, 3.27 g 11). Facing gorgoneion. (Author's collection)

Ancient Greek Marble of Medusa in the Vatican museum

CORINTHIA, Corinth. Circa 450-400 BC. AR Trihemiobol (10mm, 0.59 g 7). Pegasus and Gorgon. BCD 47 (Author's collection)

BOIOTIA, Koroneia. Circa 400-350 BC. AR Obol (image courtesy of CNG/Triton IX)

SAMARIA. Circa 375-333 BCE. AR Hemiobol (0.40 gm). Owl standing right. Meshorer and Qedar 207 (image courtesy of CNG)

CELTIC, Britain. Atrebates and Regni. Tincommius. Circa 30-10 BC. AV Quarter Stater

LYCAONIA, Iconium. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Æ 1/3rd Assarion 17 mm, 3.46g, 1h 1st century AD. Obv: Facing winged head of Medusa with serpents around Rev: KΛA/YΔЄI/KONI/ЄⲰN within wreath. Ref: RPC II 1608C. SNG Paris 2277. Von Aulock, Lykaonien, 251. Leu 19 lot#2270 (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA. Iconium (as Claudiconium). Pseudo-autonomous Time of Vespasian (69-79). Ae 15.3mm, 2.4g Head of Medusa. (Author's collection)

LYCAONIA. Iconium. Ae (2nd-1st century BC). 13mm 2.01g Head of Medusa; harpa within wreath. (image courtesy of Pecunum)

LYCAONIA. Iconium. Pseudo-autonomous issue. third Assarion 16.6 mm, 3.0g time of Vespasian, 69-79. vonAulock Lykaonia, 252 (Author's collection)

KINGS of MACEDON. Alexander III the Great. 336-323 BC. Æ 1-2 Unit (image courtesy of CNG)

PONTOS. Komana. Ae. Struck under Mithradates VI (Circa 105-90 or 90-85 BC). Gorgon on Aegis. (Bill Hearn collection)

Aegis of Athena

LYDIA. Thyateira. Pseudo-autonomous (2nd-3rd centuries). AE 18mm 3.38g Obv: Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing aegis. Rev: ΘVATЄIPHNΩN. Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia. SNG Copenhagen 582; SNG von Aulock 3206; SNG München 587 (Author's collection)

Perseus' Harpa

CILICIA, Olba. M. Antonius Polemo III, high priest. 41-69 AD. Æ 16mm 2.41g Club of Hercules and Harpa of Perseus. SNG Levante 644 (this coin) Author's collection

KINGS OF MACEDON. Perseus (179-168 B.C.) AE 15mm Pella. Decorated shield and harpa. (image courtesy of Pecunum)

Stone relief of Medusa at Aphrodisias

Pegasus

Hadrian, 117-138. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 27 mm, 14.43 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 124-125 AD Flying Pegasus on reverse (Author's collection)