Athena Stone Medallion

Athenian coin featuring the profile of Athena, the city's patron goddess, adorned with a crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves. The intricate detail of her round earrings and pearl necklace complements her martial gear, presenting both her femininity and military strength.

In Greek mythology and religion, Athena represents wisdom, courage, justice, and strategic warfare. She was widely worshipped but is primarily associated with Athens, to which she gave her name. Her emergence as the city goddess, Athena Polias, accompanied the ancient city-state’s transition from monarchy to democracy, as she was the embodiment of practical reason and statecraft.

Athena competed with her uncle Poseidon, the god of the sea, for the patronage of Athens. Each god offered the city a gift, and the citizens chose the winner based on which they preferred. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, causing a mighty salt-water spring to emerge. Undismayed, Athena gave the citizens an olive tree, which proved more bountiful and valuable for the city. She was victorious in the competition, though her rivalry with Poseidon remained tumultuous, as portrayed in Homeric poetry and other myths.

Flipping the coin, we see an owl, standing face forward, in front of an olive sprig and crescent. The owl of Athena symbolises knowledge and wisdom, still revered today. Some suggest Athena was associated with the owl due to the bird’s characteristics, such as its ability to see in the dark. Others propose a connection between the founding myths of Athens and the significant number of little owls in the region. Athens adopted the owl as a symbol of allegiance to its patron goddess, not only depicting the animal on coins, but also on vases, weights and prize amphoras.

Athens had the largest economy in the Greek world, and its coin became the standard due to its purity and stability, with the profile of the goddess enhancing Athenian pride as the coinage spread through trade. While other cities modernised their coins over the centuries, Athens retained this design, first used around 520 BC, to emphasise the dependability of its currency. With silver extracted locally, the city had a constant source of revenue for financing civic projects.

• Coin Ø 24mm

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Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver or bronze coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

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