GCV 3981 Pitane, Mysia, AE16, 4th-3rd century BC.

Mysia, Pitane.

AE16 (4th-3rd centuries BC).

Obverse: Head of Zeus facing slightly right, wearing horns of Ammon. Other intepretation: The goat of Mendes.

Reverse: ΠΙ - ΤΑ / ΝΑΙΩΝ. Pentagram; to right, serpent coiled right.

Reference: SNG BN 2343 var. (serpent to left); SNG Arikantürk 1072-4 var. (same). GCV 3981

Size: 16 mm. Weight: 3.23 g. Condition: Very fine.

The divine ram: Herodotus: Now the reason why those of the Egyptians whom I have mentioned do not sacrifice goats, female or male, is this:--the Mendesians count Pan to be one of the eight gods (now these eight gods they say came into being before the twelve gods), and the painters and image-makers represent in painting and in sculpture the figure of Pan, just as the Hellenes do, with goat's face and legs, not supposing him to be really like this but to resemble the other gods; the cause however why they represent him in this form I prefer not to say. The Mendesians then reverence all goats and the males more than the females (and the goatherds too have greater honour than other herdsmen), but of the goats one especially is reverenced, and when he dies there is great mourning in all the Mendesian district: and both the goat and Pan are called in the Egyptian tongue "Mendes". Moreover in my lifetime there happened in that district this marvel, that is to say a he-goat had intercourse with a woman publicly, and this was so done that all men might have evidence of it.

https://www.attalus.org/egypt/great_mendes_stela.html

"Horns were among all ancient nations symbolic of power and dignity. Ancient coinages shew the heads of kings and deities thus adorned. The Goths wore horns. Alexander frequently wore an actual horn to indicate his presumption of divine descent. The head dress of priests was horned on this account. This may point to a pre-historic period when the horned animals were not so much of a prey as we find them in later days; thus the aurochs of Western Europe appears to have been more dreaded by the wild men of its time, than has been, say, the now fast-disappearing bison by the North American Indians. On the other hand, the marvellous continuity of nature’s designs lead us to recognize that the carnivorous animals must always have had the right to be the symbols of physical power. Therefore, the idea of power, originally conveyed by the horns, is that carried by the possession of riches in the shape of flocks and herds. The pecunia were the means of power, and their horns the symbol of it. With the Egyptians, the ox signified agriculture and subsistence. Pharaoh saw the kine coming out of the Nile because the fertility of Egypt depends upon that river. So that it is easy to see how the ox became the figure of the sun, and of life. Similar significance attached to the sheep, the goat, and the ram. Horus is met as “Orus, the Shepherd.” Ammon wore the horns of a ram. Mendes was worshipped as a goat."

T. Tindall Wildridge: "The Grotesque in Church Art"

The combination of a horned figure and a pentagram on the coin from Pitane, Mysia, suggests a rich tapestry of symbolism that may reflect various cultural, religious, and philosophical themes. Here are some interpretations of this combination:

1. Nature and Fertility: The horned figure may symbolize deities associated with nature, the wilderness, or fertility, while the pentagram could represent the five classical elements and the interconnectedness of life. Together, they might convey themes of growth, renewal, and harmony with the natural world.

2. Protection and Power: The pentagram is often viewed as a protective symbol, while the horned figure could represent divine or supernatural power. This combination might signify a relationship between protection, human endeavor, and the divine, suggesting that the figure could safeguard the community.

3. Spiritual Duality: The imagery may evoke a duality of existence—between the earthly and the divine, nature and civilization. The horned figure could represent primal forces, while the pentagram symbolizes more abstract, spiritual concepts, implying a balance between these elements.

4. Cults of Fertility and Agrarian Deities: It could reflect the worship of specific fertility deities or cult practices that emphasized the cycles of nature and agriculture. The horned figure may represent a deity linked to pastoral life, while the pentagram embodies agricultural prosperity and success.

5. Philosophical Connections: The combination may suggest an interest in esoteric knowledge and philosophical principles. The pentagram's association with mathematical and cosmic order could align with the horned figure’s representation of natural forces, indicating a blend of rational thought and mystical beliefs.

6. Cultural Syncretism: As a crossroads of various cultural influences, the imagery could represent a synthesis of local, Hellenistic, and possibly foreign ideas. It might indicate Pitane's unique identity, merging diverse traditions into a cohesive expression.

7. Cosmic and Spiritual Elements: The pentagram's association with the divine and the cosmos, when combined with the horned figure, may imply a deeper exploration of the universe's mysteries, reflecting ancient inquiries into existence, creation, and human experience.

Inscription: The inscription "ΠΙ - ΤΑ / ΝΑΙΩΝ" translates to "of the people of Pitane" or "of Pitane." This indicates that the coin was issued by the city and reflects civic identity and pride. It emphasizes the connection to the city of Pitane and its community, indeed serving as a representation of their collective beliefs and values.

Coiled Serpent in relation to the pentagram

1. • Symbol of Wisdom and Knowledge: Serpents are often associated with wisdom, healing, and knowledge in various mythologies. The presence of the serpent may suggest a connection to protective, transformative, or esoteric wisdom, which could align with the broader themes of enlightenment suggested by the pentagram.
   • Fertility and Agriculture: In some cultures, serpents also symbolize fertility and regeneration. When combined with the pentagram—a symbol of the earth and the elements—this might evoke ideas related to agricultural prosperity and the cyclical nature of life.
   • Duality: The serpent can also embody duality, representing both protective forces and the potential for danger. Its coiled position may signify stability or a dormant power waiting to be unleashed, which could further reflect themes of balance between creation and destruction.
   • Cosmic and Mystical Elements: The combination of the serpent and the pentagram on the coin could suggest a deeper mystical significance, perhaps pointing to the idea that the inhabitants of Pitane viewed their world through both rational and mystical lenses. The pentagram symbolizes cosmic order and the serpent may embody the mysteries of life and nature.
   • Cultural Context: The interpretation of the serpent will vary based on cultural and historical context. In ancient Greece, serpents could be linked to various deities (like Asclepius, the god of healing) and legends, integrating local beliefs with the broader Hellenistic religious framework.

In summary, the coin from Pitane featuring the inscription, pentagram, and coiled serpent conveys a complex narrative about the city’s identity, values, and beliefs. The combined imagery suggests themes of knowledge, protection, agricultural abundance, and the spiritual duality present in the natural world. Further study of local mythology and archaeological findings may provide additional insights into how these symbols were understood and revered by the people of Pitane.

Referenz : Sear GCV 3981

Quelle : https://www.corpus-nummorum.eu/coins/535...

Sammlung : XII Greek Coins - Asia