copy, exhibit case layout
Object label written for the reinstallation of the Greek and Roman Galleries of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art.
Unknown artist, Greek
Stater coin, ca. 421-365 BCE
Silver
In the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, the city of Elis hosted the Olympic Games. These games were highly profitable for the Eleians, and at the end of each festival they had an excess of silver that they used to mint their own coinage. This coin features a realistically rendered eagle head and a winged thunderbolt. These symbols are attributes of the father god Zeus, who is rarely depicted on coinage. This unique choice of symbols of Zeus was appropriate for the city hosting the games honoring the gods.