Sea Creatures
Seafarers whose culture originated and flourished in the Eastern Mediterranean,
the ancient Greeks obviously had a special bond and relationship with the sea - something the
intervening couple of millenia have actually not changed. As usual, this all
finds an appropriate reflection in the products of Greek mints, starting with
the first strictly Greek
coin issue, the silver staters of Aigina near Athens - featuring a sea turtle in high relief.
Subsequently, a long parade of mythical
personalities and creatures starting with the Lord of the Seas, Poseidon himself, followed
by marine animals big and small, sea vessels of various kinds and more - all reinforce the
importance of this bond and reflect its various aspects.