WOMAN'S FACE Genuine Ancient Greek coin 405-380 BC Silver Pendant

This captivating pendant features an authentic Ancient Greek coin from 405-380 BC.

On the front, we see a graceful female head, adorned with an ampyx, a broad diadem around which the hair is rolled. Two dolphins, one before and one behind, are flanking the figure, representing the sea and ancient maritime symbolism. This design is inspired by coinage from Syracuse, a powerful city-state in ancient Sicily.

The rear of the coin depicts a dynamic quadriga (four-horse chariot) galloping to the left, driven by a charioteer who is crowned by Nike, the winged goddess of victory, flying above. The inscription in the exergue (the space below the design) features a Punic legend, further adding to the historical depth of this magnificent piece.

Ancient Greek women generally wore their hair long, but styled it in different ways: they cut a short fringe and gathered the rest of their hair in a long ponytail, or they used the chignon enclosed in fabric bands that framed their forehead.

Ovid describes in detail how elegant Roman ladies showed off a different hairstyle on every occasion, increasingly refined and full of curls: women also created perms with metal spirals!

In the imperial era, they relied on the art of an onatrix, a skilled hairdresser, who knew how to expertly gather the client's hair on the top of the head, leaving a thousand curls to fall on the forehead and temples.

Women kept their hair as long as it grew, so styles were done with very long hair. Over time, pulling, pinning, colouring, and frequent curling at high temperature led to hair thinning and damage. The only ‘hair products’ available were olive oil, honey and eggs.  As they got older, women often had to use hairpieces, extensions and wool pads to make their hair look thicker or longer. These were braided into existing hair, pinned, or sewn in with wool thread, twine or wire and a blunt bone needle. In extreme cases, a capellamentum or full wig could be worn. Busts were sometimes even made with detachable marble hairpieces so the style could be updated without the expense of commissioning a new bust!

Our jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.