Choose between the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual attraction, or the mythical horse Pegasus, on this lovely rotating coin ring.
The coin is replica of the Corinthian silver drachm, which showed Aphrodite on its reverse, rather than the helmeted Athena found on Corinthian silver staters.
That Aphrodite was depicted on the coin suggests the goddess had a close association with, and importance to, the city of Corinth. Alongside Kythera and Kypros, Aphrodite's principal cult centre was at Corinth. Ancient writers record that her temple was filled with more than a thousand female servants, sacred to the goddess, who used to draw many male visitors to the city!
Aphrodite and Pegasus rotating coin ring
dimensions
diameter of coin: 1.5cmmore about Pegasus
The mythical, winged, divine horse. His father was Poseidon, and he was born from the blood of the decapitated Medusa. After his birth, Pegasus flew to Mount Olympus where he placed himself at the disposal of Zeus, to whom he would bring thunderbolts.
Bellerophon, King of Corinth, managed to capture Pegasus, tamed him with a golden bridle given by Athena, and with his help, killed the fire-breathing Chimaera, who was threatening to destroy the city. Some of the coins minted in Corinth are called 'pegasi' and show Pegasus on one side, helmeted Athena on the other. Pegasus also features on coins from Syracuse, a colony of Corinth.
Every time Pegasus' hoof touched the earth, a spring of fresh water appeared. The most famous one is the Hippocrene - 'horse spring' - on Mount Helicon, home of the Nine Muses.
Pegasus is regarded as a symbol of liberty, free spirit, inspiration, potential, and spiritual freedom. Eventually, Zeus transformed him into the constellation that bears his name.
about this collection of jewellery
It has been a privilege to work with the Vaphiadis family since 2007. They are one of the best manufacturers of sterling silver jewellery in Greece.
The collection is inspired by ancient Greek silver and gold coins, the art and jewellery of the Minoan civilisation, familiar symbolic motifs and images, and the animals that played a significant part in ancient Greek culture.