Monsters as coin types in Ancient Greece.

Resumen

If we wish to understand the true character of Greek coins, we are forced to consider it under its several aspects. Besides being a measure of value and an instrument for exchange, coins belonged to a whole set of objects used with magical and/or religious purposes. First of all, we can consider coin types apotropaic in a sense that they were not just plain representations but were expected to have a special efficiency. From this point of view, the representation of monsters would act as a means to fix the monster’s energy and at the same time fight it, under the general principle of sympathetic magic of “like banning like”. On the other hand, as objects, coins could be used as amulets and/or talismans, when hanged around the neck. Coins could also be offered in sacred places and thus be considered as a protective devices against eventual misfortunes.