2017-09-01 Fri

Most of the Greek city states issued coinage depicting their patron gods or their attributes. The Greek coins also portray various mythical creatures.

One such mythical creature, we are going to discuss today is Griffin.
The griffin is a legendary creature with the head and wings of an eagle, and the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion. As the eagle was considered the ‘king of the birds’, and the lion the ‘king of the beasts’, the griffin was perceived as a powerful and majestic creature. The griffin was king of all creatures. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.

Abdera (Thrace), one of the Greek city states depicted Griffin on their coins. The obverse of the coin depicts seated Griffin facing left, cicada on left and Greek legend on the top right. The reverse of it has a seated Herakles to left facing right and Greek legend is seen on right and left.

Explore other Greek coins here.

Griffins are also seen in the various art from and mythology of Ancient Greece, Persia and Egypt.