Dekadrachma Coin
Artist Unknown
A pendant made from a silver coin, the dekadrachma (ten-drachma) of Syracuse, set in gold. This large silver coin was made in ancient Syracuse to celebrate a military win. One side shows a chariot race, and the other shows a sea goddess with dolphins. This coin is believed by some to be one of the so-called thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ. The gold band surrounding the coin is inscribed with: "Quia precium sanguinis est" ["This is the price of blood"].
Date
5th century AD
Materials
Metal
Silver
Gold
Size (cm)
H 4.5 x W 4 x D 0.5
Location
Ground Floor
Collection
Hunt Museum Collection
Interpretive Video
Transcript
The Hunt Museum has an entire floor of antique silver objects. The Ancient Greek city of Syracuse was famous for making some of the best coins in history. This ten-drachma coin was special. It was ...
