Greek Coin | Perseus Design

In the first century B.C., the city of Amisos in Pontos issued bronze coins featuring Perseus, the mythological hero best known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa. His profile appears prominently on the obverse, wearing a helmet adorned with a griffin crest. The reverse shows Pegasus, the winged horse with which Perseus escaped after decapitating Medusa, grazing above the inscription “AMIΣOY” — the ancient Greek name for Amisos.

The choice of Perseus was deliberate. The royal house of Pontos, especially under Mithridates VI Eupator, claimed descent from the hero, making his image a powerful emblem of dynastic legitimacy and pride. By circulating these coins, local authorities not only facilitated commerce but also reinforced the region’s cultural identity, linking daily transactions to a broader narrative of heroic ancestry and divine sanction.

These bronzes were not large denominations; rather, they functioned as the small change of daily commerce, handled by merchants, farmers, and travellers across the Black Sea region. Yet even in their modest form, they carried a layered message. The imagery connected ordinary people to the heroic myth of Perseus, while also serving as subtle propaganda for Mithridatic rule during a period of tension with Rome. In this way, these coins stand as artifacts of both economic life and political symbolism, encapsulating how local mints in Pontos used myth to assert Hellenic cultural independence in a world increasingly dominated by Roman power.

The reverse usually bore symbols associated with the city or the ruling power, along with Greek inscriptions that identified the issuing authority. These bronzes were not large denominations; rather, they functioned as the small change of daily commerce, handled by merchants, farmers, and travelers across the Black Sea region. Yet even in their modest form, they carried a layered message. The imagery connected ordinary people to the heroic myth of Perseus, while also serving as subtle propaganda for Mithridatic rule during a period of tension with Rome. In this way, these coins stand as artifacts of both economic life and political symbolism, encapsulating how local mints in Pontos used myth to assert cultural independence in a world increasingly dominated by Roman power.

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1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
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Your coin will look very similar to the ones shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Owning a bronze coin minted by the ancient Greeks in Amisos (modern-day Samsun, Turkey) is relatively accessible for collectors due to the city's significance as a regional trade and cultural hub. Amisos, a prominent city on the southern coast of the Black Sea, was founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BCE. Its strategic location made it an important center for commerce, particularly in grain, fish, and metals, which necessitated the minting of coins for local and regional trade.

Their sturdy bronze composition allowed many to survive through centuries of use, burial, and eventual rediscovery. These coins were often buried in hoards for safekeeping during periods of conflict or instability, a common practice in the ancient world.

Today, bronze coins from Amisos can be found through numismatic dealers, auctions, and online platforms specializing in ancient Greek coinage. Their artistic designs, historical significance, and relative affordability make them a popular choice for collectors.