2017-04-29 Sat

Sikyon in Peloponnesus was known for sculpture, bronze work, and pottery. They constantly fought with their neighbours like Thebes, Corinth, Athens, and Sparta. Being the Primary mint for the anti-Athenian states in the Peloponnesian War, they issued many coins and later melted many to fund their conquests. Here was where western art germinated with tragedy in theatre, the modern art of painting, modern orchestra. It was the school for great sculptors like Polykleitos and Lysippos.

This 350-330 BC coin was minted after Alexander asked for mercenaries from the Peloponnese in 334 BCE. Many of these coins were then buried and kept safely. The obverse of this stater features a chimera, a fire-breathing monster. It looks like a lion with the head of a goat coming from its back and a tail with a snake’s head. This monster has appeared frequently on the coinage of Sikyon.

The reverse features the emblem of Sikyon – a dove. The reason being that the Greeks and Romans believed they represented love and the dove was also the sacred animal for many goddesses. This coin belongs to the Jacob K. Stein collection and is showcased at the Cincinnati Art Museum.