Lion Fringe Earrings

This coin features a detailed depiction of a roaring lion, Miletos' civic badge, encircled by an intricate, flaring mane. The lion, filling the flan of the coin, serves as an emblem of strength and nobility.

The Miletos Lion diverges from a realistic, representational depiction of a lion head. Lions were a primary symbol throughout the Grecian world, used to convey the wisdom, ferocity and authority of the people it represented. Recurring in many Greek myths, the most famous association with the great creature was the Nemean Lion, which Hercules was tasked to kill as the first of his Twelve Labours. Other representations include the Sphinx, which had the body of a lioness and the head and breast of a woman, and the Chimera, which had the forepart of a lion.

Flipping the coin displays a more ambiguous symbol, described variously in the literature as the sun symbol, ornamented star, floral star or rosette. The stellate pattern may be in reference to Apollo, Miletos’ patron and the god of the Sun, light, healing, prophecy and music. Miletos was a character from Greek mythology, the eponymous mythical founder of the city. He was the son of Apollo and Areia, a nymph. Following the advice of Sarpedon, a son of Zeus, he went with an army, founding the city.

Miletos also held the sanctuary, Didyma, which was dedicated to Apollo. Its’ famed oracle of Apollo announced prophecies from the highest room in the temple, where inquiries and answers were written and some inscriptions with them were uncovered by excavators. Prophetic practice was at the core of ancient Greek politics and society, and the celebration of Apollo was seen as key to encouraging favourable oracles.

Miletos was an important and wealthy Ancient Greek city on thewestern coast of Anatolia, among the twelve cities forming Ionia. It was a significant sea power and trading port, catalysed by the confluence of stability, prosperity and leisure, the city became the world’s premiere centre for science and learning. In the sixth century B.C., it was one of the first Greek cities to mint coinage before coming under Persian domination. In the following century, Miletos played a major role in the Ionian Revolt of the Greek cities in Asia Minor against Persia. This coin may have been minted in support of the military effort.

• Coin Ø 9mm

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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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