Ancient Coin Stories

It seems disputed who is actually depicted on the obverse of the coinage of Aptera. Some identify her as Hera, while others as Artemis. Some others (probably the smart ones) just say “female head”. What is indisputed is that she’s wearing a stephanos, which was a wreath crown given to winners of contests.

Aptera literally means “without wings” and comes from the story of the singing contest between the muses and the sirens, which legend has occurred near Aptera. The muses, of course, were sources of inspiration and would inspire people to do their best through song. The sirens, depicted vividly in Homer’s Odyssey, used their songs to lure men to their deaths. The contest was over quickly, and the muses celebrated by plucking the feathers from the sirens’ shoulders – hence “without wings.”

According to Pausanias, the city’s name came from its founder – Delphi Pteras.

Aptera’s arch-enemy was Kydonia, who controlled Aptera at various periods.

The torch appears to be a race torch. Later coinage would have three of them. Perhaps some famous race occurred in Aptera or one of their natives won a famous race. The city was very well off during the 4th-3rd centuries, when this coin is believed to have been minted.