Neapolis, Macedon Gorgoneion Stater Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by the archaic silver staters of Neapolis in Macedon, struck around 500–480 BC
• Features the bold facing gorgoneion, one of the most dramatic protective images in early Greek coinage
• Reverse preserves the simple quadripartite incuse design characteristic of archaic struck silver
• Strong appeal for collectors interested in early Macedonian coinage, archaic Greek art, and Gorgon / Medusa imagery
• Combines a powerful frontal design with the compact, heavy format of an early silver stater
• Represents an earlier and more archaic phase of Neapolis coinage than the later nymph-head types
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-struck methods in sterling silver
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors interested in archaic Greek silver, early Macedonian civic coinage, and the powerful protective imagery of the gorgoneion.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Neapolis, Macedon gorgoneion stater is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the archaic silver coinage issued around 500–480 BC. The obverse presents a facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue, while the reverse carries a quadripartite incuse square.

The design belongs to the earliest and most visually forceful phases of Neapolis coinage. Rather than using a profile portrait or civic legend, the coin relies almost entirely on the confronting face of the Gorgon, creating an image that is immediately recognizable even on a relatively small silver flan.

Each piece is individually struck by hand rather than cast, preserving the irregular flan, varied relief, and surface character associated with ancient silver coinage. Unlike machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the individuality and visual texture expected from historically inspired reproductions.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Neapolis was an important Greek settlement in the Macedonian region and developed its own distinctive silver coinage during the archaic period.
• The facing gorgoneion became one of the defining images of the city’s early coinage. The design shows the head of a Gorgon frontally, usually with exaggerated eyes, hair, and protruding tongue.
• In ancient Greek art, the gorgoneion had an apotropaic function — it was used as a protective image intended to repel danger or harmful forces. The Getty Museum likewise describes the gorgoneion as an apotropaic motif in archaic Greek art.
• The direct frontal gaze is especially striking because most ancient Greek coin portraits were shown in profile. The confrontational composition gives the Neapolis type an unusually immediate visual impact.
• The reverse is deliberately much simpler: a quadripartite incuse square formed during striking. Incuse reverses are characteristic of many early Greek silver issues and preserve the technical appearance of archaic minting before fully engraved reverse designs became standard.
• Original Neapolis gorgoneion staters of this broad early series are normally dated around 500–480 BC and typically weigh around 9–10 grams, although surviving examples vary considerably.
• For collectors, the appeal of the type lies in its combination of archaic style, protective symbolism, early Macedonian history, and one of the most memorable faces found on ancient Greek silver.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– AMNG III 2

– SNG ANS 401

– Dewing 1063

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Neapolis Macedon gorgoneion stater replica

Denomination represented: AR Stater

Mint: Neapolis, Macedon

Era represented: 500-480 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 7-8 g

Dimensions: approx. 16 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Facing gorgoneion with protruding tongue
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Reverse: Quadripartite incuse
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, centering, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Gorgoneion and Greek silver coin pages:

• See the Apollonia Pontika Gorgoneion drachm replica
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• View ancient Greek coin replicas