Dionysus Medallion

£30,000
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Details

Authentic silver tetradrachm coin from 189-45 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold with bullet amethyst, garnet, topaz, citrine and peridot cabochons. Handmade in Rome.

History

This coin features the youthful god Dionysos, depicted with a serene expression, facing right. He wears an ivy wreath, a plant sacred to him, and a band across his forehead, symbolizing his divine status and association with nature, festivity, and rebirth. His effeminate features and tranquil demeanor capture the duality of his nature as both joyous reveler and mysterious deity.

Dionysos, the son of Zeus and Semele, was a central figure in Greek mythology. Revered as the god of wine, theatre, and ecstatic celebration, he embodied both creative inspiration and divine madness. His cult was widespread across the Greek world, particularly in regions associated with viticulture, like Thrace. Festivals in his honor, such as the Dionysia, played a pivotal role in Greek cultural and religious life.

On the reverse, Dionysos appears again, this time standing in a frontal pose with his head turned to the left. He is shown nude, a symbol of heroic divinity, holding a bunch of grapes and two spears, with a cloak draped over one arm. The grapes emphasize his role as the god of wine, while the spears and his confident stance reflect his power and protection of his followers. Greek inscriptions identify the issuing city as Maroneia, an ancient city in Thrace renowned for its fine wine, and likely name the magistrate in office at the time.

Measurements
  • Coin Ø 32mm
Delivery

Free worldwide delivery is available on all orders over £1500 / €1800.

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Care

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, bronze, and copper 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.

View our CARE recommendations

Dionysus Medallion
Dionysus Medallion
Dionysus Medallion
Dionysus Medallion
Dionysos
Dionysos
(TETRADRACHM)
Dionysos (Greek Διόνυσος) is the ancient Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy. This Thracian coin depicts the profile of a youthful Dionysos, wearing a band across his forehead and an ivy wreath.
Gold
Gold
(18K)
It is a dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold is highly valued for its beauty, rarity, and resistance to corrosion. It does not tarnish or corrode over time, making it a perfect choice for jewellery.
Amethyst
Amethyst
(QUARTZ)
Amethyst, a member of the quartz family, enchants with its vibrant purple hues, which range from delicate lavender to deep violet. Amethyst's alluring beauty and historical significance as a symbol of clarity and protection make it a treasured gemstone in various forms of jewellery and decorative pieces.
Garnet
Garnet
(SILICATE)
Garnet, typically seen in striking hues of red or orange, is a captivating gemstone that has been precious for millennia, with beads dating back to 3000 B.C. attesting to its timeless allure.
Topaz
Topaz
(SILICATE)
Blue topaz, a radiant variant of the topaz family, enchants with its serene blue hues, ranging from pale sky blue to deep London blue.
Citrine
Citrine
(QUARTZ)
Citrine, a stunning yellow gemstone, has been cherished for millennia, often regarded as a gift from the sun. Its name, derived from the French word 'citron' for lemon, perfectly captures the bright, distinctive allure of this gem.
Peridot
Peridot
(OLIVINE)
Peridot, a captivating member of the olivine family, dazzles with lush green tones from lime to olive. Known for its beauty and historical significance, it's cherished for symbolising strength, healing, prosperity, and positive energy.
Dionysos
Dionysos
(TETRADRACHM)
Dionysos (Greek Διόνυσος) is the ancient Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy. This Thracian coin depicts the profile of a youthful Dionysos, wearing a band across his forehead and an ivy wreath.
Gold
Gold
(18K)
It is a dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold is highly valued for its beauty, rarity, and resistance to corrosion. It does not tarnish or corrode over time, making it a perfect choice for jewellery.
Amethyst
Amethyst
(QUARTZ)
Amethyst, a member of the quartz family, enchants with its vibrant purple hues, which range from delicate lavender to deep violet. Amethyst's alluring beauty and historical significance as a symbol of clarity and protection make it a treasured gemstone in various forms of jewellery and decorative pieces.
Garnet
Garnet
(SILICATE)
Garnet, typically seen in striking hues of red or orange, is a captivating gemstone that has been precious for millennia, with beads dating back to 3000 B.C. attesting to its timeless allure.
Topaz
Topaz
(SILICATE)
Blue topaz, a radiant variant of the topaz family, enchants with its serene blue hues, ranging from pale sky blue to deep London blue.
Citrine
Citrine
(QUARTZ)
Citrine, a stunning yellow gemstone, has been cherished for millennia, often regarded as a gift from the sun. Its name, derived from the French word 'citron' for lemon, perfectly captures the bright, distinctive allure of this gem.
Peridot
Peridot
(OLIVINE)
Peridot, a captivating member of the olivine family, dazzles with lush green tones from lime to olive. Known for its beauty and historical significance, it's cherished for symbolising strength, healing, prosperity, and positive energy.