Struck during the Second Democracy of Syracuse, this rare bronze trias captures the maritime spirit of one of the Mediterranean’s most powerful cities. The obverse bears the head of Arethusa, the freshwater nymph of Syracusan legend, framed by dolphins at her neck. The reverse shows a delicately engraved octopus, surrounded by three pellets that mark the coin’s value.
Now preserved in a custom 18k gold bezel, the coin’s imagery is elevated into a striking pendant—its story of water, myth, and trade given new life as wearable history.
Syracuse flourished as a Greek colony in Sicily, its prosperity built on fertile land and maritime dominance. Its coinage became some of the most distinctive of the Greek world, often celebrating symbols of the sea.
Arethusa, central to Syracusan myth, was believed to have been transformed into a spring by the goddess Artemis, linking the city to an eternal source of fresh water. The octopus, a motif of the surrounding Mediterranean, represented abundance and the intimate relationship between Syracuse and the sea. Together, these images tell the story of a city where myth and survival were intertwined.
Coin Details
Type: Bronze trias
Date: c. 415–410 BC
Origin: Syracuse, Sicily
Obverse: Head of Arethusa right; dolphins flanking neck
Reverse: Octopus with three pellets (mark of value) around
Diameter: ~15 mm
Weight: ~3.4 g
Material: Ancient bronze
Size: See images for comparison with a U.S. quarter
What’s Included
Authentic bronze trias of Syracuse (c. 415–410 BC)
Custom 18k gold bezel setting, handmade to coin’s contours
Signed certificate of authenticity with historical background
Red velvet presentation box
Polishing cloth and care instructions
Free insured U.S. shipping, worldwide shipping available
7-day return for refund; 30-day return for store credit
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
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.
Syracuse Octopus Pendant in Gold
Sterling Silver
$1,250.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
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?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
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.
