This replica coin reproduces a silver drachm of Ephesus in Ionia, struck around the 4th century BCE. Ephesus was one of the most important Greek cities in Asia Minor and home to the great Temple of Artemis, a major center of religion and commerce. Its coins are among the most distinctive of the Greek world, combining sacred animals with powerful civic symbolism.
Historical Background: The bee and stag were both sacred to the goddess Artemis of Ephesus, the city’s patron deity. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus drew pilgrims from across the Greek world and was a hub of wealth and influence. The city proudly displayed Artemis’s sacred symbols on its coinage, making Ephesian coins some of the most recognizable in antiquity.
Design & Symbolism:
Obverse (Front): Depicts a bee, the emblem of Ephesus. The bee symbolized fertility, community, and devotion to Artemis, as her priestesses were often referred to as “bees.”
Reverse (Back): Features a stag kneeling beside a palm tree, with a magistrate’s name (such as ΔΗΜΑΓΟΡΗΣ / DEMAGORIS) inscribed. The stag was sacred to Artemis, representing grace, wilderness, and divine protection. The palm tree often symbolized victory and sacred groves connected to the goddess.
