Byzantion Hemidrachm in 14k Gold – Bull, Dolphin, and Trident
$950.00
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Carefully set by hand
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Byzantion Hemidrachm in 14k Gold – Bull, Dolphin, and Trident
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This pendant features a genuine silver hemidrachm struck in the ancient Greek city of Byzantion, centuries before the city would become Constantinople and, later, modern Istanbul. Hand set in a solid 14k gold bezel, the coin preserves one of the most distinctive maritime symbols of the ancient Greek world: a powerful bull emerging above a dolphin.
Compact yet deeply sculptural, the design reflects Byzantion’s identity as a city shaped by water, trade, and strategic geography. Positioned at the Bosporus strait between Europe and Asia, Byzantion controlled one of antiquity’s most important maritime passages. Its coinage often celebrated this connection to the sea, commerce, and divine protection.
The reverse features a trident, emblem of Poseidon and symbol of naval power. Together, the imagery creates a striking composition rooted in movement, strength, and the ancient Mediterranean world.
The History
Byzantion occupied one of the most important locations in the ancient world. Founded as a Greek colony on the Bosporus, it became a crossroads between continents, cultures, and trading networks. Long before it served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the city was already wealthy and strategically vital.
The imagery on this coin reflects that identity. The bull and dolphin combination appears across the coinage of Byzantion and likely references both maritime prosperity and local religious symbolism. The dolphin evokes the surrounding waters that sustained the city, while the bull conveys strength, vitality, and sacrificial tradition within Greek culture.
The trident on the reverse reinforces the city’s relationship to the sea. Associated with Poseidon, it served as a declaration of maritime authority and protection. Coins like this circulated through the ports and markets of the ancient Greek world over two thousand years ago, passing through countless hands before surviving into the present.
What’s Included
Authentic ancient Greek silver coin pendant
Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
A sterling silver chain
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
Documentation describing the coin and its historical context
Coin Details
Issuer: Byzantion, Thrace
Date: c. 4th–3rd century BC
Denomination: AR Hemidrachm
Material: Silver
Obverse: Forepart of bull left above dolphin, ΠΥ above
Reverse: Trident with monogram in right field
Setting: Hand made 14k gold bezel
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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.
