Cimmerian Bosporos. Pantikapaion circa 310-303 BC.
Bronze Æ

21 mm, 6,05 g

Bearded head of satyr with animal ear to right / Π-Α-Ν, forepart of griffin left; below, sturgeon swimming to left.

Nearly Extremely Fine

HGC 7, 113; MacDonald 69.

Griffins are legendary creatures in mythology, known for their majestic and powerful appearance, combining the physical traits of a lion and an eagle. With the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head, wings, and front talons of an eagle, griffins embody the qualities of both the king of beasts and the king of birds. This duality made them symbols of strength, courage, and protection, and they were revered across various ancient cultures. The origins of the griffin myth can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly in the Middle East, Egypt, and Greece. In ancient Greek mythology, griffins were believed to guard treasures and precious objects, particularly gold. They were often depicted as fierce and vigilant creatures, fiercely loyal to whatever they were tasked to protect. The association with guarding treasures might stem from tales told by travelers and traders who, passing through regions like Central Asia, encountered the fossilized remains of dinosaurs like Protoceratops, which may have inspired the image of the griffin. Griffins were also connected with divine and noble qualities. They were believed to be the loyal companions of gods, and in various stories, they were portrayed as guardians of divine secrets and sacred places. For instance, in the mythology of the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people, griffins were said to guard the gold in the mountains of Central Asia. The Greek historian Herodotus mentions this myth, describing how the Scythians believed that the griffins protected vast hoards of gold. In medieval Christian symbolism, griffins came to represent the duality of Christ—both divine and human—because of their combination of lion (a symbol of earthly power) and eagle (a symbol of heavenly power). They were often depicted in heraldry and were seen as protectors against evil, embodying a sense of vigilance and honor.