Ancient Greek Wrestler Pendant

Obverse: Wrestlers Grappling
Reverse:  Slinger striding right, triskeles to the right
Date: c. 380 - 325 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  12.99 grams
Diameter: 24 mm / .94 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

These coins are among the most immediately recognizable artifacts of the classical Greek world, showing two athletes locked in a wrestling bout with tense, almost sculptural realism. The scene reflects how central athletics were to Greek identity, not just as sport but as a public expression of discipline, strength, and civic pride. Wrestling was one of the oldest and most prestigious events in Greek competition, and its placement on coinage signaled the city’s alignment with panhellenic values that were shared across the Greek-speaking world.

The figures are widely understood to allude to a celebrated local champion rather than anonymous athletes. Cities that produced Olympic victors often commemorated those wins through public monuments, poetry, and coin imagery, using personal athletic success as a proxy for communal prestige. By placing a victorious wrestler on its silver, Aspendos effectively broadcast its standing to anyone who handled the coin, turning athletic triumph into a lasting symbol of the city’s honor, excellence, and participation in the elite cultural sphere of classical Greece.

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.