LARGE GREEK WINE GOD DIONYSOS TETRADRACHM COIN PENDANT IN 14KY GOLD 

148 - 90 B.C.

To date, this is THE largest Greek coin I have ever mounted and regardless of size, it is probably one of the most beautiful large ancient Greek silver coins you will see from this region.  This huge coin is a genuine silver tetradrachm featuring a gorgeous head of Dionysos wreathed in ivy and grape vines full of grapes.  The detail is remarkable and the relief is extremely full.  Truly, this piece MUST be seen in person to appreciate the dimension and beauty of the artwork - it is BETTER than in the photo and beyond impressive!

In Greek mythology, Dionysos was the son of Zeus and Semele.  Dionysos, one of the most widely worshiped gods of Greek mythology was considered a patron of the arts.  Dionysos was the god of fertility and wine.  Later he became the god of vegetation.  Still later he was the god of pleasures and of civilization.  In his early years the young god Dionysos learned to make wine and journeyed across the world to give it to the mortals.  It is wine that Dionysos is most remembered as the god of and later under the Roman Empire, this god would be worshipped as the Roman god of wine, Bacchus.

Dionysos was represented in works of art as a beautiful youth, crowned with ivy vine leaves.  His festivals were celebrated with processions, dances, and choruses, out of which grew the Greek drama and the Greek theatre.  Dionysos plays an active role in many works of poetry, tragedy and comedy (he was the patron god of the theatre, after all), and of course, has his share of mythological stories. One of the most intriguing is the story of Dionysos at Sea, told by Homer in one of his numerous hymns.

Pirates who once thought he was a mortal prince that could be held for ransom abducted Dionysos.  As a god, Dionysos shackles just fell away and he stood there smiling mysteriously.  The helmsman shouted to his crew "We have a god in our midst!" but they did not heed him and set sail.  Then a series of miraculous events occurred.  First, the ship was filled with wine and then the ship sprouted vines heavy with grapes.  After this, Dionysos transformed himself into a lion and attacked the captain.  The crew jumped overboard and were transformed into dolphins.  Only the helmsman who had recognized Dionysos was spared.

A true masterpiece combination of fine jewelry craftsmanship and GENUINE ancient art!  HIGHLY recommended and one of a kind.

Overall diameter is IMPRESSIVELY LARGE at 42 mm!

CPG002     SOLD 

*if desired, add $225 for chain shown, a 16" 4 mm 14K yellow gold Rolo chain.

1595