Coins are stories minted in metal, talismans of power, and whispers of civilizations long gone. At Assuwa, we journey through time to uncover these ancient treasures from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine worlds, transforming them into pendants that pulse with the memory of the Mediterranean. Each coin pendant is a relic reborn, a personal talisman for the bold and the curious.

Today, let me take you on a journey through each coin, unveiling their symbols and the stories they carry.

Uncovering the Coins, Forging the Talismans

Our journey to create these pendants began in the labyrinthine corridors of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Amid its chaos that is so particular to the Mediterranean culture—a chaos that almost makes you feel at home, we uncovered these authentic ancient coins. Each coin is a fragment of a forgotten world. We delved deep into their symbols, researching their meanings and stories. We believe everyone needs a talisman, a symbol they can carry daily to draw strength and inspiration. This is why, only those that resonated with empowerment, mythology and significance earned their place in our collection.

Once we chose the coins, we cast them in silver and transformed them into pendants. Designed to be worn on necklaces, chains, or bracelets, these meaningful pendants allow you to carry a piece of history and its power with you always.

Let’s unfold the symbolism of each coin in our collection!

Apollo Coin Pendant: Sunlit Grace and Poetry

Apollo, the god of the sun, poetry, and music, takes form in this authentic ancient coin. This coin hails from Ionia, the sun-soaked part of Ancient Greece, dating back to 380-369 bc. 

One side reveals a swan—wings spread wide, all strength and grace. The swan, Apollo’s sacred symbol, represents beauty and is linked to love, music, and poetry. Flip it over, and you'll see Apollo himself, radiant with artistic inspiration. His gesture mirrors that of the famous Apollo of the Belvedere. This coin is a reminder that light and creativity are never far apart—they go hand in hand, just like Apollo and the swan.

Let the Apollo coin pendant become your talisman of sunlight, artistic expression, and creativity.

Hercules Coin Pendant: Triumph in Every Detail

Hercules, known as Heracles in Greek mythology, was a demigod, the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, famed for his incredible strength and heroic feats. His heroic endavours are known as the Twelve Labors, a series of nearly impossible challenges such as defeating the Nemean Lion, and capturing the Golden Hind. These trials not only proved his unmatched might and resilience but also his capacity for redemption and transformation.

On one side, we see Hercules in his armor, looking determined and strong, and on the other, we see him—with his iconic six-pack—triumphing over the Nemean Lion, one of the Twelve Labors and a beast said to be invincible.

Struck in the ancient city of Heraclea, this coin celebrates Hercules’ victory over the Nemean lion. Feel the power of ancient Greece around your neck, a testament to courage and triumph over the impossible. Wear it, and dare to conquer your own beasts.

Parthenope Coin Pendant: The Siren’s Enchanting Call

Parthenope, the enchanting siren of Naples, graces this coin dating back to 395-385 bc of Naples, Campania. But what’s the story of the sirens, and more specifically, Parthenope, being the symbol on the coin of Naples? The sirens, mythical beings with voices as irresistible as the sea itself, were creatures of seduction and danger, often depicted as part bird, part woman in ancient art—a symbol of allure with an edge.

Legend has it that Parthenope and her fellow sirens sang their haunting melody to lure Odysseus, but he outwitted their spell—his crew’s ears blocked, and he himself tied to the mast. Though her voice couldn’t claim him, it echoed through the ages, binding her name to the city of Naples and transforming her into a symbol of beauty, art, and the eternal pull of the Mediterranean. Today, Naples still carries her name and her spirit, often referred to as Parthenope.

So, let’s see how Parthenope’s story is etched into this ancient coin. On one side, Parthenope stands timeless—her disheveled hair tucked under a headband, a pearl necklace glinting at her neck, and a pendant earring catching the light. She’s the essence of mystique, grace, and the Mediterranean’s enduring allure. Flip it over, and Nike, the winged goddess of victory, soars above a Minotaur—part man, part bull—her wreath poised midair, ready to crown the victorious beast. The crowned Minotaur, a symbol of Taurus, was a common motif in Naples and Sicily, a story lost to time but still brimming with power and intrigue.

The Parthenope pendant isn’t just a coin; it’s a talisman. A whisper of heroism, mystery, and the magnetic pull of the Mediterranean. Wear it as a reminder of your own enchanting voice and the strength that lies in your story.

Maurice Coin Pendant: Relentless Pursuit

Maurice, Byzantine emperor from 582 to 602, was the last of the Justinian dynasty—a visionary leader who faced the challenges of his era with relentless determination.

On one side of this ancient coin, his initials stand with a cross, symbolizing Christianity and the strength of the Byzantine Empire. Though time has softened the obverse, other coins reveal the figure of Maurice himself—etched with purpose, just like his enduring legacy.

This relic of resilience transforms into a talisman for dreamers who refuse to yield. His spirit, a beacon of courage and perseverance, still inspires. Wear the Maurice pendant as a reminder that perseverance isn’t just a virtue—it’s a blade that cuts through any challenge.

Miletus Coin Pendant: Sun's Ancient Wisdom

The Miletus coin is one of our personal favorites. This relic hails from Miletus, the birthplace of philosophy and science—a city where the sun, poetry, and music collide.

You might have noticed that ancient Greek and Roman cities always had their gods and goddesses. Ephesus worshiped Artemis, goddess of the wilderness, and Miletus? Well, Miletus belonged to Apollo, god of the sun, poetry, and music. And the city's emblem was a lion—a fierce, timeless symbol.

So, let’s dive into the symbolism behind this ancient coin! On the obverse, the lion stands fierce, roaring through the test of time, with the sun above—Apollo’s eternal emblem—lighting the path to knowledge. Flip it over, and you’ll see two men locked in a fight, embodying the Olympic spirit: victory, resilience, and strength.

The Miletus pendant is for seekers of wisdom and those unafraid to illuminate new paths. Let it be your talisman of ancient wisdom, strength, and the light that guides your journey.

Ephesus Coin Pendant: Beauty in the Wilderness

This ancient coin holds a deep personal connection for me. My family comes from the land of this ancient city—Ephesus. My mom roamed these streets as a child, and her uncle worked as a teacher just a stone's throw away. Ephesus, the city to which this coin belongs, was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the wilderness and the OG woman warrior.  If you ever visit, stand in awe of Artemis’ sculpture at the heart of her temple—an embodiment of strength, grace, and timeless power.

Let’s break down the symbolism behind it. Artemis, goddess of wilderness and creation, was symbolized by the bee and the deer. The bee, representing harmony, balance, nature, and creation, embodies the delicate yet powerful forces of life. The deer, on the other hand, signifies the wild, the untamed, and the hunt—qualities synonymous with Artemis herself. Oh, and here’s a fun piece of trivia: Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo, the god of the sun, poetry, and music, and the very symbol of Miletus.

So how did the Ancient Greeks capture Artemis’ essence on a coin? This coin, a beautiful and meaningful relic, features two sides rich in symbolism. One side depicts a deer, gracefully running—representing Artemis’ connection to the wilderness and hunting. Flip the coin, and you’ll find a solitary bee, embodying creation, balance, and nature’s quiet yet potent power—the creative forces Artemis governed.

This Ephesus coin pendant channels the untamed grace and boundless strength of Artemis. It serves as a reminder to embrace your wild heart and let it guide you toward creation.

From Antiquity to Eternity

Today, we’ve uncovered the forgotten stories of the Mediterranean, decoding the symbolism and mythological narratives that are etched into these ancient coins. Each coin pendant at Assuwa is a bridge between the past and the present. These artefacts, once markers of gods and goddesses, now become intimate symbols of your journey.

To wear one is to carry history’s weight lightly, transforming ancient power into your own. Choose your talisman, make history your own, and let it guide you, whispering strength and trust.