6 Fabled Coins and the Legends Behind Them

1. The Athenian Owl (c. 5th Century BCE)

The Athenian Owl, known for its striking design, is one of the most iconic coins in history. Featuring the owl of Athena on one side and the goddess herself on the other, this coin was used throughout ancient Athens during its golden age. However, its legend extends far beyond its simple function as currency.

The Legend: The owl was a symbol of wisdom and protection, associated with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship.

The coin’s widespread use and symbolic power became intertwined with Athens’ dominance in both military and intellectual realms. It is said that carrying an Athenian Owl coin would invoke Athena’s favor, granting wisdom and strategic advantage in battle or decision-making.

The Myth: Legend has it that the Athenian general Themistocles carried a particular Owl coin into the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, where the Athenians, against all odds, defeated the Persian fleet.

Some accounts suggest that the general believed the coin gave him divine protection and clarity of thought in the heat of battle. Whether or not the coin had magical properties, it is undeniable that it became a symbol of Athenian superiority.

2. The Imperial Gold Coin of Emperor Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE)

The Roman Empire’s first emperor, Augustus, struck a series of gold coins that became synonymous with Roman power. The coins themselves were often inscribed with propaganda, celebrating Augustus’ achievements and consolidating his control over Rome.

The Legend: Augustus is said to have ordered the creation of his coins to both commemorate and legitimize his rule. One of the most famous coins minted during his reign is the “Aureus” of Augustus, which often depicted him as a god or as the bringer of peace and prosperity.

Legend has it that Augustus used these coins as a form of spiritual currency—offering them to the gods in exchange for their favor.

The Myth: According to one Roman myth, Augustus used these coins as a type of “divine payment” to the gods, seeking their protection over the empire. It was believed that the gold used in the coins was imbued with sacred powers, ensuring the stability and success of the Roman Empire.

The imperial coins, as symbols of the emperor’s divinity, were considered to have mystical powers capable of influencing the fate of empires.

3. The Drachma of Croesus (c. 560 BCE)

King Croesus of Lydia, once considered the wealthiest man in the world, is credited with issuing one of the first gold coins in history. These coins, known as “Croeseid” or “Croesus’ Drachma,” were made of a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver called electrum.

The Legend: Croesus is famed for his immense wealth, and the legend surrounding his coins suggests that his riches were so vast that they were imbued with magical properties.

According to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, when Croesus consulted the Oracle of Delphi about his fate, he was told that if he attacked Persia, he would destroy a great empire. Croesus took this as a prophecy of victory, but in the end, he lost his kingdom to the Persian king Cyrus the Great.

The Myth: Legend has it that Croesus’ gold coins were cursed, as the wealth they represented came to symbolize his hubris. Some stories suggest that the coins would only bring ruin to their owner if they were used to amass more power or wealth through greed.

In the aftermath of Croesus’ defeat, the coins of Lydia were seen as reminders of the tragic fate of one who sought to defy the gods’ will.

4. The Florin of St. Peter (c. 13th Century CE)

During the Middle Ages, the Vatican, under Pope John XXII, issued a coin known as the “Florin of St. Peter.” This coin was a religious artifact rather than just a means of trade, as it was tied directly to the power and wealth of the Catholic Church.

The Legend: The Florin was purportedly minted to raise funds for the building of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It is said that the coin was endowed with a holy blessing.

Anyone who carried one would be granted divine favor, protection, and absolution from sins. The legend of the Florin’s power grew as its reputation spread across Europe, especially as the Pope’s influence expanded.

The Myth: According to legend, the Florin was imbued with miraculous powers. In one popular tale, it is said that when a sick man in Italy held a Florin close to his heart, he was instantly cured of a fatal disease.

The coin’s power was believed to be a direct manifestation of the Pope’s divine authority, and as such, many people sought to obtain a Florin, not only for religious reasons but as a talisman of good fortune.

5. The Spanish Doubloon (c. 16th Century CE)

The Spanish Doubloon, a large gold coin, became synonymous with Spanish naval supremacy and the vast wealth generated from the Spanish colonies in the Americas. It was known for its distinctive design, featuring the Spanish coat of arms on one side and a cross on the other.

The Legend: The Doubloon was often seen as a symbol of Spanish colonial riches and the “golden age” of Spain. Many sailors and treasure hunters believed that the Doubloon carried with it the spirit of the Spanish Empire and the fortune of the New World.

Pirates, in particular, coveted the coin, believing that possessing it would bring them unimaginable wealth and power.

The Myth: There is a myth that the Doubloon possessed mystical powers, especially in the hands of pirate captains. Some sailors believed that whoever held a Doubloon would be able to command the loyalty of their crew and that the coin would lead them to buried treasure.

Some stories claim that when a pirate ship came across a Spanish Doubloon, it was a sign that a vast fortune was nearby, waiting to be uncovered.

6. The Mysterious “Blackbeard’s Gold Coin” (c. 1718 CE)

One of the most famous pirates in history, Blackbeard (Edward Teach), is said to have possessed a collection of gold coins that are now legendary in pirate lore. Among these was the so-called “Blackbeard’s Gold Coin,” a piece of treasure that has been the subject of much speculation.

The Legend: The coin is often described as an intricately designed doubloon or gold piece, sometimes with an engraved skull or crossbones. According to legend, Blackbeard carried this coin as a personal amulet, believing it protected him from harm. It was said that whoever could possess the coin would inherit Blackbeard’s dark fortune.

The Myth: After Blackbeard’s death in battle, the coin supposedly vanished, becoming a symbol of lost treasure and unfulfilled pirate dreams. Stories abound of treasure hunters searching for this particular coin, which is believed to hold a curse: anyone who seeks the coin will meet an untimely end, just as Blackbeard himself did.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Fabled Coins

1. Are these coins real or just mythical? Many of the coins mentioned in the legends are indeed real, though their stories have been embellished over time. For example, the Athenian Owl and the Croesus Drachma are historical artifacts, but the magical properties ascribed to them are part of the mythos surrounding them.

2. Why do certain coins become legendary? Coins often become legendary because of their association with powerful figures or events. In many cases, they represent more than just currency—they symbolize power, divinity, or extraordinary feats, which naturally leads to myths developing around them.

3. Can a coin really have mystical powers? While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that coins have mystical powers, the belief in their magical properties is deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts. The coins mentioned in these legends were often imbued with symbolic value that gave them perceived power.

4. Where can these coins be found today? Some of these legendary coins are housed in museums or private collections, while others may still be hidden in the remnants of lost treasures or sunken ships. Archaeologists and treasure hunters often search for these coins, though many are likely lost to history.

5. How do these legendary coins impact modern coin collectors? For modern coin collectors, these legendary coins are highly sought after. They are valuable not only for their material worth but also for their historical and cultural significance. Collectors are often drawn to the stories behind the coins as much as to the coins themselves.

These six fabled coins are more than just pieces of currency—they are symbols of legend, embodying the mysteries and myths that have shaped the way we understand history, power, and the human pursuit of wealth.

Whether they are tools of divine favor, tragic symbols of hubris, or treasures waiting to be uncovered, their stories continue to capture the imagination