Description:
This rare bronze coin was minted during the 3rd century BC on the rugged Greek island of Samothrace, which is located in the northern Aegean Sea. The island was colonized in the 8th century BC by Greek settlers from the island of Samos. Samothrace was famous in the ancient world for being the home of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. This mysterious temple complex was built by the Thracians during the bronze age and pre-dates Greek settlement of the island. By the 5th century BC, the secret rites and sacrifices associated with the cult had attracted famous pilgrims, including Egyptian queen Arsinoe, King Philip II of Macedon and Herodotus.
This ancient bronze coin from Samothrace features Athena wearing a crested Corinthian helmet. In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, peace, warfare, strategy and reason. An armed warrior goddess, Athena appears in Greek mythology as a helper of many heroes, including Odysseus, Jason and Hercules. She never consorts with a lover, earning the title Athena Parthenos "Athena the Virgin", hence the name of her most famous temple, the Parthenon, on the Acropolis in Athens.
The reverse side shows Kybele seated on a throne while she is holding a patera and a scepter. Kybele was a mother goddess and protector in ancient Greek religion. She was also associated with mountains, city walls, nature and wild animals, especially lions.