Greek Silver Griffin Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Hemidrachm
Obverse: Griffin seated right
Reverse:  Cantharus and writing above and below: THI/ΕΥΔ-HMO[Σ]
Date: c. 4th - 3rd Century B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  2.99 grams
Diameter: 14 mm / .55 inches

Description

This item is an authentic greek silver coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14 karat 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

Silver hemidrachms of this type were struck in the 4th to 3rd century B.C., a period when smaller silver denominations circulated widely throughout the Greek world for everyday trade. The obverse features a finely engraved griffin seated to the right, its wings folded and posture alert. The griffin, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolized divine guardianship and strength. It was often associated with the god Apollo and used as a civic emblem in various Greek cities, particularly along the Aegean coast. The artistry of the design captures both majesty and restraint, hallmarks of late Classical and early Hellenistic coinage.

The reverse displays a cantharus, a two-handled drinking cup linked to Dionysian worship and commonly used as a symbol of festivity, abundance, and divine favor. Around it appears the inscription ΘΙΕΥΔΗΜΟΣ (Theudemos), identifying the magistrate or issuing authority. The combination of sacred imagery and personal or civic inscription reflects the blending of myth, religion, and governance that defined much of Greek coinage. Silver hemidrachms of this kind circulated among merchants, soldiers, and travelers, connecting distant regions through shared imagery and trusted metal value — small, elegant testaments to the artistic and economic sophistication of the Greek world.

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.

Ancient Greek silver coins come from hundreds of independent city-states that flourished across the Mediterranean and Near East from the 6th to the 2nd centuries B.C. Each city minted its own distinct coinage, often bearing symbols of its patron gods, heroes, or local myths. The silver used for these coins was typically sourced from rich mining regions such as Laurion in Attica, Mount Pangaion in Thrace, and later from Macedonian and Anatolian deposits under Alexander the Great and his successors. These mines produced vast quantities of high-quality silver that fueled trade, warfare, and artistic innovation throughout the Greek world.

Many of the coins known today come from ancient hoards buried during times of conflict, invasion, or political upheaval. They have been unearthed across Greece, Asia Minor, the Balkans, and the wider Hellenistic world, often found together with gold staters or bronze issues. Because silver is highly durable and resists corrosion, these coins frequently survive in excellent condition even after more than two millennia underground. Modern examples come from reputable dealers, numismatic auctions, and museum collections, each coin serving as a small, enduring artifact of Greek culture — a direct link to the art, mythology, and economy of the ancient world.