PONTOS. Amisos. Time of Mithradates VI Eupator (Circa 105-90 or 90-85 BC). Ae.

Obv : Helmeted head of Athena right.

Rev : AMI - ΣOY.
Perseus standing left, holding harpa and head of Medusa, whose decapitated body lies at his feet; monogram to left and right.
SNG BM Black Sea 1169-72; HGC 7, 238.

Condition : Good very fine.

Material : Bronze.
Axis : 12h.

Weight : 18.80 gr
Diameter : 30 mm

The city of Amisos (modern-day Samsun, Turkey) was a significant ancient Greek colony on the southern coast of the Black Sea. It played an important role in trade and politics, particularly during the Hellenistic and Mithridatic periods. Among its various coin types, one particularly striking design features Perseus, the legendary Greek hero, standing with the severed head of Medusa while her decapitated body lies at his feet. This coin type is an artistic and symbolic masterpiece, reflecting both Greek mythology and the political landscape of the region.

Perseus stands to the left, holding the harpa, the curved sword given to him by Hermes.In his other hand, he holds the severed head of Medusa, the fearsome Gorgon whose gaze could turn people to stone.Medusa’s decapitated body lies at his feet, emphasizing his victory.
A monogram appears to the left and right, likely representing the mint authority or an administrative mark.This detailed scene was not merely artistic; it carried deeper symbolic and cultural meanings.

The depiction of Perseus and Medusa on these coins connects to Greek mythology, but also to the city’s identity and power.

Perseus was one of the most celebrated Greek heroes, known for his courage, intelligence, and divine favor. His slaying of Medusa was considered an ultimate act of bravery and divine justice, as Medusa was often portrayed as a monstrous threat that needed to be defeated.

For the people of Amisos, Perseus could symbolize divine protection, military strength, and the city's ability to overcome enemies and challenges. His association with victory made him an ideal figure to appear on coinage.

Medusa’s severed head was believed to still retain its petrifying power, which Perseus later used as a weapon. The presence of Medusa on the coin could have served as a talismanic symbol, offering protection and warding off evil. In ancient times, the Gorgoneion (the image of Medusa’s head) was widely used for apotropaic (protective) purposes.

Coins often reflected the political messages of their time. The Pontic rulers, especially during the reign of Mithridates VI (120–63 BCE), strongly associated themselves with Greek culture and mythology to legitimize their power. Perseus' presence on the coins of Amisos might have reinforced the idea that the kingdom was divinely favored, powerful, and aligned with Greek heroic ideals.

Additionally, Mithridates VI saw himself as a defender of Hellenism against the expanding Roman Republic. The imagery of Perseus, a hero blessed by the gods, may have served as a political statement about Pontus’ divine right to rule and its connection to Greek heritage.

Coins like these provide invaluable insights into the cultural and political environment of ancient Amisos. The detailed depiction of Perseus and Medusa demonstrates the high level of artistic skill and craftsmanship in Pontic coinage.

The choice of Perseus also reflects how Greek myths were adapted by local rulers to suit their political narratives. Whether as a symbol of victory, divine favor, or protection, Perseus and Medusa’s dramatic encounter on these coins made a powerful statement to anyone who used them in daily transactions.

The Perseus and Medusa coin from Amisos is a remarkable piece of numismatic history, blending mythology, politics, and artistic expression. It symbolizes triumph, divine favor, and the strength of the city, while also reflecting the Hellenistic world's fascination with heroic imagery. Today, these coins remain valuable not only for collectors but also for historians seeking to understand the cultural and political landscape of Pontic Anatolia.