Struck in Parion in Mysia around 480 BC, this early silver drachm presents a striking facing Gorgon with protruding tongue — one of the most arresting images of archaic Greek coinage. Measuring just 12.03 mm and weighing 3.40 grams, the compact coin now rests within a large, thick sterling silver ring sized at US 11, creating a powerful contrast between the coin’s small, ancient intensity and the bold modern band that carries it.
This coin was acquired from a reputable ancient coin dealer and is guaranteed authentic.
The History
Parion, a coastal city in Mysia along the Hellespont, issued some of the most compelling early silver coinage of the archaic period. The facing Gorgon type belongs to a formative moment in Greek art, when engravers were experimenting with frontal portraiture — a rarity in early numismatics.
The Gorgon’s fierce expression was not merely decorative. In Greek belief, her image was apotropaic: meant to ward off evil and protect the bearer. Such imagery was deeply symbolic in an era when coinage itself was still a relatively new invention.
The reverse bears a simple incuse square divided into a cross-like pattern, characteristic of early struck coinage before fully developed reverse designs became standard. Its austerity emphasizes the intensity of the obverse.
Today, archaic Gorgon drachms are admired for their historical importance and bold design — a raw expression of early Greek artistic power.
Custom sterling silver ring with thick band (US Size 11)
Certificate of authenticity with historical notes
Luxury presentation box
Free insured U.S. shipping (international available)
Ring Size: Slightly below US 7
Coin Details
Region: Mysia
City: Parion
Date: 480 BC
Denomination: AR Drachm
Diameter: 12.03 mm
Weight: 3.40 grams
Obverse: Facing head of Gorgon with protruding tongue
Reverse: Incuse square with cross-like pattern
Mysia, Parion — Gorgon Drachm Ring
$945.00
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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.
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