Greek, Syracuse
Coin showing Persephone (obverse)
310­307 B.C.
Silver tetracrachm
diam.: 2.7 cm
Gift of Martin A. Ryerson, 1922.4908

Old coins, originally used as money, can tell us about the people who used them. They can relay powerful myths or give us the names of kings or emperors.

The Greek goddess Persephone, seen on this coin, wears a crown of barley because her mother, Demeter, was goddess of the earth. Pluto, god of the underworld, kidnapped Persephone to make her his queen. The angry Demeter brought eternal winter to earth. Only when Persephone was returned for four months of each year did Demeter allow spring and summer to reappear.