Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Greek Bronze Bactria Caduceus and Elephant (073)

Sale price$1,098.00 Regular price$1,220.00
Description

This large ancient bronze coin has a unique dark red and green patina. One side features the Caduceus, the staff of Hermes, symbolizing peace. The reverse shows a trumpeting elephant wearing a bell.

Size and Material

Size: 30mm

Hand-fabricated sterling silver and 18kt recycled gold mount with an 18kt gold enhancer bail.

One of a kind with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Chain not included; available separately.  See Chains

Story

Dated: 200-185 BCE

Demetrios I of Bactria was never defeated in battle and was known as the second Alexander.  

The rejoicing elephant, depicted on the front of the coin, is surrounded by the royal bead-and-reel decoration. The elephant, one of the symbols of Buddhism and the Gautama Buddha, possibly represents the victory of Buddhism brought about by Demetrios. The coin's reverse depicts the caduceus, a symbol of Hermes and also a symbol of reconciliation between two fighting serpents, which is likely a representation of peace between the Greeks and the Sungas and likewise between Buddhism and Brahmanism.   (hellenicaworld.com)
Description

This large ancient bronze coin has a unique dark red and green patina. One side features the Caduceus, the staff of Hermes, symbolizing peace. The reverse shows a trumpeting elephant wearing a bell.

Size and Material

Size: 30mm

Hand-fabricated sterling silver and 18kt recycled gold mount with an 18kt gold enhancer bail.

One of a kind with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Chain not included; available separately.  See Chains

Story

Dated: 200-185 BCE

Demetrios I of Bactria was never defeated in battle and was known as the second Alexander.  

The rejoicing elephant, depicted on the front of the coin, is surrounded by the royal bead-and-reel decoration. The elephant, one of the symbols of Buddhism and the Gautama Buddha, possibly represents the victory of Buddhism brought about by Demetrios. The coin's reverse depicts the caduceus, a symbol of Hermes and also a symbol of reconciliation between two fighting serpents, which is likely a representation of peace between the Greeks and the Sungas and likewise between Buddhism and Brahmanism.   (hellenicaworld.com)