Ancients: MYSIA. Cyzicus. Ca. 450-350 BC. EL sixth-stater or hecte (11mm, 2.64 gm). NGC AU 4/5 - 4/5, Fine Style....

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Perseus Beheading Medusa

MYSIA. Cyzicus. Ca. 450-350 BC. EL sixth-stater or hecte (11mm, 2.64 gm). NGC AU 4/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Perseus, nude but for helmet and cloak clasped at neck, crouching right, head left, harpa in right hand, head of Medusa in left; tunny fish left below / Quadripartite mill-sail incuse square punch. Greenwell 74. Boston MFA 1549. SNG France 5, 312. Expertly centered on a mellow flan. Crisp, artistic details from fresh dies make this example exceptionally attractive.

From the Wetmore Collection of Gold and Electrum. Ex Roma Numismatics, Auction 6 (29 September 2013), lot 646.

In the annals of Greek mythology, few tales garner as much attention as the story of Perseus and Medusa. Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus, was charged with the formidable task of beheading Medusa, the gorgon whose gaze could turn anyone into stone. Medusa was once a beautiful maiden, but she was transformed into a terrifying creature by Athena after Medusa and Poseidon desecrated Athena's temple. Despite the risk, Perseus undertook the challenge, armed with gifts from the gods: Hermes lent him winged sandals for swift flight, Hades provided a helm of darkness to render him invisible, and Athena gifted a mirror-like shield. The latter proved essential in his encounter with Medusa, as Perseus was able to avoid her petrifying gaze by watching her reflection in the shield. With a swift, decisive blow, Perseus succeeded in his quest, using Medusa's head as a weapon in several other mythological adventures prior to presenting it to Athena who placed it on her shield.

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