Ancient Greek Gorgon Pendant

Obverse: Gorgon with Tongue Protruding, behind
Reverse:  Cow with head turned
Date: c. 350 - 300 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  3.94 grams
Diameter: 17 mm / .59 inches

Description

This item is an authentic Greek coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14k gold. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.  

Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.

History of the Artifact

This coin was struck in the Mysian city of Parion during the late Classical to early Hellenistic period, a time when bold, expressive imagery was increasingly favored on civic coinage. The obverse features a confronting Gorgon head, commonly identified as Medusa, shown with protruding tongue and exaggerated features intended to avert evil and protect the community. Such apotropaic imagery was especially effective on coins, which moved constantly through hands and public spaces, carrying protective symbolism into everyday life.

The reverse depicts a cow standing left with its head turned back, a motif often associated with fertility, prosperity, and local pastoral identity, and likely tied to regional myth or cult practice rather than a specific narrative scene. The pairing of a fearsome protective image with a calm, grounded animal creates a deliberate contrast between divine power and earthly abundance. Today, coins of this type are studied for their striking iconography and regional character, and they appear regularly in scholarly references and established private collections. Surviving examples circulate through major auctions and reputable numismatic dealers, valued for both their visual impact and their insight into how Greek cities expressed identity through symbolic design.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.

In antiquity, silver coinage from this area was commonly buried for safekeeping during periods of instability, warfare, or personal precaution, creating hoards that were never reclaimed by their owners. Sealed underground and protected by the durability of silver, many pieces survived centuries of burial with their designs still sharp. Most examples known today originate from such hoards, which have been legally recovered, carefully sorted, and documented before entering the modern numismatic trade. From there they pass through reputable dealers and auctions, where they are authenticated, cataloged, and distributed as genuine historical objects.