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PAPHLAGONIA, Amastris. Circa 100-85 BC. Æ (30mm, 19.8 g,). Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with griffin / Perseus standing facing, holding harpa and head of Medusa; at feet, body of Medusa. SNG BM Black Sea 1313-4; SNG Stancomb 735. Very fine
The reverse of this coin depicts two figures from the legend of Medusa, the once beautiful young maiden who dared to challenge Athena's beauty. As punishment for her impiety, Medusa’s hair was turned into hissing serpents and she was condemned to turn every living thing which gazed upon her to turn to stone. Perseus, son of Zeus and the mortal Danae, was given the task of slaying this monster. He was aided, in part, by Athena who gave her shield to him for the task.