Athena Goddess & Nike stater
140,00€
The “Stater of Goddess Athena and Nike” pendant is a remarkable piece that harmoniously blends the virtues of wisdom and victory, embodied by the goddess Athena and the winged figure of Nike. This design draws inspiration from ancient Greek coinage, particularly the staters issued during the reign of Alexander the Great, which celebrated these deities to symbolize military success and strategic prowess.
Athena – The Embodiment of Wisdom and Warfare
Athena, daughter of Zeus, was venerated as the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and craftsmanship. She epitomized rational thought and prudent warfare, contrasting with the more chaotic aspects represented by other deities. Often depicted wearing a Corinthian helmet and carrying a shield, Athena symbolized the intellectual and disciplined facets of battle. Her association with the city of Athens underscores her significance in Greek culture as a protector and patroness of heroes.
Nike – The Personification of Victory
Nike, the winged goddess, personified victory in both athletic and military arenas. As the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the Oceanid Styx, she was often portrayed as a graceful figure with wings, embodying the swiftness and triumph of success. Nike frequently appeared alongside Athena, reinforcing the close relationship between wisdom and victory. This association is evident in various artistic representations and architectural structures, such as the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to both deities.
Design Inspired by Classical Numismatics
The pendant’s design is inspired by the classical Greek staters from the era of Alexander the Great:
•Obverse: Features the helmeted head of Athena, showcasing her serene yet commanding presence, symbolizing wisdom and strategic warfare.
•Reverse: Depicts Nike standing gracefully, holding a laurel wreath in her right hand—a symbol of victory—and a stylis (a ship’s mast) in her left, representing naval triumphs.
This design reflects the artistic excellence of ancient Greek coinage, where the amalgamation of deities on currency served both religious and propagandistic purposes.
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
The pendant is meticulously crafted in 925 sterling silver with bronze accents, creating a sophisticated contrast between the cool luster of silver and the warm tones of bronze.
•Material: Sterling Silver 925 – 8.5 gr and Bronze – 2.5 gr
•Included Chain: Sterling Silver 925
•Length: 45 cm
•Weight: 9 gr
•Thickness: 1.7 mm
The craftsmanship pays homage to ancient minting techniques, with precise detailing that captures the essence of the original staters. The polished finish enhances the pendant’s visual appeal, making it a timeless accessory.
A Symbol of Strategic Triumph
Wearing the “Stater of Goddess Athena and Nike” pendant signifies a blend of intellect and victory. Athena’s wisdom coupled with Nike’s triumphant spirit serves as an emblem of strategic success and enlightened strength. This pendant is not merely a piece of jewelry but a testament to the enduring legacy of classical virtues.
Shipping and Availability
•Standard free delivery with Poste Italiane: 5–7 business days with a minimum order of €250
•Express delivery with DHL: Available for faster shipping at an additional cost
| Metal |
Sterling Silver 925 |
|---|
In stock
Description
The Athena and Nike Stater is a gold coin from the classical period of ancient Greece, minted around the 4th century BC. This coin is particularly valued for its refined design and its deep symbolic meaning, celebrating two of the most important deities of the Greek pantheon: Athena and Nike.
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Characteristics of the Coin:
•Obverse:
The obverse features the head of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and justice. Athena is portrayed wearing a richly decorated crested helmet, symbolizing her strength and her role as the protective deity of the city of Athens. The helmet emphasizes her strategic prowess in battle.
•Reverse:
The reverse depicts Nike, the personification of victory, moving gracefully forward. In most variations, she is shown holding a laurel wreath in her right hand — a symbol of triumph and honor. In other versions, Nike is depicted holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace and prosperity.
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Meaning and Historical Context
The depiction of Athena and Nike on the same stater symbolizes the balance between wisdom and victory, two fundamental pillars of Greek society. This combination reflects the Greek ideal of achieving strategic success through intelligence and calculated action.
The Athena and Nike Stater was not only a high-value coin used for major transactions, but it also served as a propaganda tool to celebrate military victories and reinforce Athena’s prestige as the protector of Athens. The presence of Nike alongside Athena reaffirmed that victory and strategic success were the result of wisdom and divine protection.
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Artistic and Collectible Value
These staters are considered among the finest examples of ancient Greek numismatics. Authentic examples are preserved in prestigious museum collections, including the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Louvre Museum in Paris.
