Satyr & the Nymph Coin Pendant

Description

In Greek Mythology, Satyrs were immortal creatures of the forest and hills, and symbols of natures’ wealth. They had the head, arms and torso of a man, and the horns, ears and hind legs of a goat. in some versions, a horse’s tail completed the physical makeup of the satyr. they were fun-loving creatures, whose favorite past-times were frolicking, drinking wine, playing reed instruments, and most especially, chasing nymphs.

Thrace was an ancient country of the southeastern Balkans, and included islands off of the coast. To put Thrace in context of modern times, its greatest city was Constantinople. The city of Thasos, where this coin was struck, was on a rich and fertile island off of the southern coast of Thrace. It possessed prolific gold mines and had a contolling interest in many of the silver mines on the mainland. It is interesting to note that through the years that this coin was minted, there was an evolution in the nymphs’ attitude toward the Satyr. in its earliest form, as seen on this coin, the nymphs’ right arm is raised in protest of her abduction by the Satyr. in later issues, her arm seems to have moved to encircle the neck of the Satyr, giving the impression of compliance.