Unknown Maker, Greek

Coins were often minted to pay mercenaries, a history that is reflected in their imagery. On the reverse of the coin, Nike, the goddess of victory, decorates a trophy. As early as the 6th century BCE, the Greeks and Persians had begun to dedicate suits of enemy armor to the gods after a victory on the battlefield, calling them “trophies.” This concept of victory is tempered by the obverse image of Persephone, goddess of the underworld which was the final resting place of slain soldiers. Although Nike and the trophy represent victory in the mortal world, all dead are equal in Persephone’s realm. The coin therefore comments on the temporality of the victories of war achieved by the mercenaries.