Apollo & Lyre Coin Charm Pendant

Laureate head of Apollo, adorned with a tainia, a Grecian headband typically worn by deities, accentuating his intricately detailed curls. Revered in both Greek and Roman religions, Apollo was the god of prophecy, healing, truth, and music.

The son of Zeus and Leto, Apollo was a primary Olympian, revered as a ward against evil, earning him the epithet “apotropaios,” meaning ‘averting evil.’ As the father of Asklepios (Aesculapius to the Romans), the god of medicine, and a healer himself, Apollo was the ultimate emblem of protection and goodness.

The reverse depicts a professional version of the lyre, a kithara. As opposed to the standard lyre, which was predominantly used as a folk instrument, the kithara was reserved for skilled musicians called kitharodes and the singers of Greek epic poetry. The modern English word “guitar” is directly derived from the Greek kithara.

According to mythology, the kithara was invented by the Greek messenger god Hermes, Apollo’s brother. Hermes was on a journey to steal oxen from his brother, who was away from his herd, when he brushed against a turtle shell and thought to stretch strings across it, creating the kithara. After reaching the heard, Hermes attempted to steal fifty oxen, but Apollo discovered him and the brothers began to quarrel. To settle the dispute, Hermes offered Apollo the new instrument. Having only ever played a standard three-string lyre, Apollo was enthralled, forgiving Hermes and granting him dominion over all flocks and herds. Hermes became the god of herdsmen, swearing to never steal the kithara, and in turn, Apollo devoted himself fully to the art of music, bringing stability and order into chaos with his playing.

• Coin Ø 18mm

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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, 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.

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