Ancient cities chose symbols for their coinage that represented the founding mythology, a characteristic feature of the economy or the city’s devotion to a particular deity. This beautifully minted silk finish gold coin resembles this early circulating money with it’s classic design and visible relief of the motif.
Syracuse in Sicily was founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans. It grew to a very powerful city-state, was allied with Sparta and Corinth and exerted influence over the entirety of coastal areas of Southern Italy. The Octopus as a feature of their money is probably due to the city’s proximity to the sea, fishing or the brisk trading in its port.