Discover a piece of ancient history with our Athena Sun necklace, featuring a very rare bronze double unit coin minted by the Brettii around 211-208 BCE in the region now known as Calabria. The Brettii, an Italic tribe surrounded by prosperous Greek colonies, were deeply influenced by Greek culture through their extensive trade with neighbouring Hellenic communities. This cultural interchange is beautifully reflected in the coin’s design and artistic execution, especially in its adoption of the Greek goddess Athena.
The coin’s reverse depicts Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, advancing dynamically. Athena is shown wielding a spear and carrying an oval shield, her dress flowing with movement, while her poised knee signals determination. In front of her, a bucranium, a symbolic ox skull, symbolises wealth and sacrifice. The Greek inscription ΒΡΕΤΤΙΩΝ further authenticates the coin’s historical origins. The oval shield, centrally positioned Athena, and balanced inscription together create a powerful scene highlighting her role as a guardian and protector.
On the obverse, Ares, the god of war and Athena’s brother, appears in profile, contrasting starkly with the vivid scene of Athena on the reverse. This arrangement underscores Athena’s strategic importance in ancient narratives of protection and wisdom in warfare, contrasting with her brother, who personified raw brutality and aggression.
Rated Very Fine (VF), the coin’s exquisite dark green patina enhances its timeless beauty. The coin’s setting, designed to mimic the rays of the sun, is inspired by ancient Greek motifs. It is complemented by a luxurious blackened silver chain finished with a gold ‘Sassi’ lock, reminiscent of ancient jewellery clasps. This design reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and captures the essence of ancient artistic heritage.
