Scythian Poseidon Coins

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Deacon Ray, Dec 5, 2019.

  1. Deacon Ray

    Deacon Ray Artist & Historian Supporter

    The film that most impressed me when I was a kid was Jason and the Argonauts. My favorite scene in the movie was when Poseidon appeared out of the ocean and saved the Argonauts from the rocky cliffs that threatened the ship. I later learned that he was supposed to be Triton, the son of Poseidon.

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    Here are some coins with Poseidon on them. When I purchased the tetradrachm, I thought that the figure on the reverse was Zeus but one of our Ancients Forum members pointed out the trident.

    POSEIDONS.jpg
     
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  3. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    I like and have not previously noted the bronze. Particularly interesting to me uis the way the words wrap along the edges but the few letters in Mayes' name made this more necessary than on coins of kings with longer names. While worn, it is a clear and pleasant coin.
     
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  4. furryfrog02

    furryfrog02 Well-Known Member

    I really like that square coin! Interesting design and clear as day that it is Poseidon. I have 2 Azes II Indo-Scythian drachms but will keep my eye out for something like yours. Thanks for sharing.
     
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  5. Parthicus

    Parthicus Well-Known Member

    Very nice coins! But they raise a question (at least in my mind). The Indo-Scythians, as I understand it, lived pretty far away from the ocean or sea, and were basically a landlocked group. So why did they honor Poseidon with such a prominent place on their coins?
     
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  6. Ed Snible

    Ed Snible Well-Known Member

    The Encyclopedia Iranica suggests rivers and earthquakes before concluding "As the inventor of horsemanship, Poseidon Hippios was often worshipped, trident and all, at inland Greek sites such as Mantinea in the central Peloponnesus. The historical primacy of cavalry forces in Bactria and surrounding regions makes sense of the victorious Poseidon appearing on the coinage of Antimachus I."
     
  7. Parthicus

    Parthicus Well-Known Member

    Very interesting, thanks for the info. Reminder to self: Gods can do more than one thing.
     
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  8. Johndakerftw

    Johndakerftw Mr. Rogers is My Hero

    Those coins are so cool, Deacon Ray! Good job on the new pickups!

    The penta chalkon is a total boss!

    Erin
     
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  9. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    I’ve always loved that scene from Jason and the Argonauts... and now really feel like watching the show again. Oh, and that Maues is excellent!

    Poseidon on an unusual Macedonian serrated bronze...

    [​IMG]MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Time of Philip V and Perseus
    AE Serrate. 10.0g, 25mm. Macedonian mint, circa 185-168 BC. SNG Cop 1294. O: Diademed head of Poseidon right, trident over shoulder. R: MAKE-ΔONΩN, club; monograms below left and right; all within oak wreath.
     
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