Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | SilverAuction date: 24 March 2024
Lot number: 104

Price realized: Unsold
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Lot description:


Pontos. Amisos. Time of Mithradates VI Eupator 120-63 BC.
Bronze Æ

28 mm, 19,77 g

Laureate head of Zeus right / AMIΣOY, eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head right with wings spread.

Very Fine

SNG BM Black Sea 1144; HGC 7, 237.

In the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and iconography, Zeus, the supreme deity of the pantheon, is intricately linked with two powerful symbols: the eagle and the thunderbolt.
The eagle, often referred to as the "Aetos Dios" or "Eagle of Zeus," stands as a sacred emblem of Zeus. It serves as a powerful representation of his divine authority and omnipotence. This majestic bird is not merely a creature but a messenger of Zeus, carrying out his divine will and delivering his messages to both gods and mortals. In some compelling myths, Zeus himself takes on the form of an eagle, as seen in the abduction of Ganymede, underscoring the eagle's role as an extension of the god's power.
The thunderbolt, known as "Keraunós" or "Bronté," symbolizes Zeus's mastery over the natural world. It embodies his control over the elements, especially the weather. The thunderbolt is the embodiment of his ability to cast lightning and summon thunder, often seen as expressions of his divine emotions and intentions. Holding the thunderbolt, Zeus exemplifies his supreme authority among the gods and his position as the ruler of both the heavens and the earthly realm.
Together, the eagle and the thunderbolt in the iconography of Zeus create a vivid portrayal of his unparalleled power, marking him as the chief deity and king of the gods, with dominion over all realms, celestial and terrestrial. These symbols serve as enduring reminders of Zeus's majesty and omnipotence in the intricate world of Greek mythology.



Starting price: 50 EUR