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turtle coin pendant (mini)
£30.00
Replica of a coin from the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. The Aeginetans were great traders and their 'turtle coins' are found abundantly in hoards all over the Greek speaking world. After the Persian Wars, Aegina's commercial importance declined in the face of Athenian dominance. In the mid 5th century BC, possibly following the Athenian conquest of Aegina in ca 456BC, the turtle was replaced by a tortoise, and coinage output was much reduced. diameter of the coin: 1.5cm
quantity
more about this 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.
about the turtle
The turtle is often thought of one of the wisest of souls in the animal kingdom, representing self-containment, earthiness, patience and a steady approach to life. It remains a symbol of longevity, protection and stability.
The ancient Greek word for turtle, chelone (modern Greek chelona), was the name given to the famous coin of the Aegean island of Aegina. These were minted in their thousands at the turn of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE and were the first coins produced in Europe. They were minted in silver from the island of Siphnos.
sad news about this collection
Due to the tragic, sudden death in early 2025 of Ioannis Vaphiadis, who made all this beautiful jewellery, the family's jewellery production has ceased.
This is all the remaining stock that I have. Ioannis was only in his late 50s, was such a lovely man and a dear friend.
I was so lucky to work closely with him for 19 years.If you already have a piece of his jewellery, cherish it.