Hyrianoi Silver Didrachm, Campania, ca. 405–385 BC
An authentic silver didrachm struck in the ancient Campanian colony of Hyrianoi, among the rarest issues from southern Italy.
The obverse features the head of Athena in a crested Attic helmet, reflecting the colony’s Greek influence. On the reverse appears the man-faced bull—a river god rendered in hybrid form—embodying strength, fertility, and the natural abundance of the land. Struck from only four known obverse dies, this short-lived coinage represents the sole surviving evidence of the Hyrianoi colony. Its production spanned less than a generation, making these coins seldom encountered outside major collections.
The Coin
Issuer: Hyrianoi, Campania
Date: ca. 405–385 BC
Denomination: Didrachm (Nomos)
Weight: ~7.02 g
Material: Silver
Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet
Reverse: Man-faced bull walking left; city legend above
Size: See images for comparison with a U.S. quarter
The Setting & Chain
Each bezel individually handcrafted to fit the coin’s irregular ancient flan
Preserves the contours of the silver while ensuring secure, long-term wear
Matching sterling silver chain included; upgrade to 14k/18k gold chain available
Please allow approximately three weeks for custom setting (rush options available)
The History
The Hyrianoi were a short-lived Greek colony in Campania during the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC. Virtually nothing is known of the settlement beyond its rare coinage, making these didrachms vital historical witnesses.
The choice of Athena emphasized both cultural alignment with Greece and martial protection, while the man-faced bull symbolized the rivers that sustained the colony’s agricultural wealth. As production ceased within a single generation, these coins remain some of the rarest survivors from Magna Graecia.
What’s Included
Authentic silver didrachm of Hyrianoi (ca. 405–385 BC), carefully sourced from reputable dealers and auctions
Full guarantee of authenticity, backed for life
Custom hand-made sterling silver or 18k gold setting
Signed certificate of authenticity with historical notes
Luxury display box
Free insured U.S. shipping (international available)
7-day return and exchange policy
The History
The Hyrianoi colony of Campania was so short-lived that virtually nothing is known of it beyond this rare coinage, struck for less than a generation in the late 5th to early 4th century BC.
The imagery speaks volumes: Athena represents both cultural alignment with Greece and martial protection, while the man-faced bull symbolizes the rivers that sustained local agriculture. With their production ending abruptly, these coins remain precious witnesses to a vanished settlement, making any surviving specimen an exceptional artifact of early Italian Greek history.
Coin Details
Issuer: Hyrianoi, Campania
Date: ca. 405–385 BC
Denomination: Silver didrachm (nomos)
Weight: ~7.02 g
Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet
Reverse: Man-faced bull walking left; city legend above
Material: Ancient silver
Size: See images for comparison with a U.S. quarter
What’s Included
Issuer: Hyrianoi, Campania
Date: ca. 405–385 BC
Denomination: Silver didrachm (nomos)
Weight: ~7.02 g
Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet
Reverse: Man-faced bull walking left; city legend above
Material: Ancient silver
Size: See images for comparison with a U.S. quarter
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Custom Order – Hyrianoi Silver Didrachm Pendant
18k Gold / Prong / A
$975.00
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Testimonials
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
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Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
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What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
