Square
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When used on coins, the square could represent several key themes, including order, symmetry, and balance. These are all qualities that were highly valued in Greek culture, particularly in the context of philosophical ideals, architecture, and art, where proportion and harmony were central to design.
One prominent example of the square in Greek coinage comes from the coinage of Aegina during the classical period. The coin features a square shape, often with a simple image of a turtle or a turtle shell. This design likely symbolizes the civic identity of Aegina, as the island was known for its maritime prowess and the turtle motif may have symbolized both the island’s connection to the sea and its reputation for solid, steady trade. The square shape of the coin itself might have been a deliberate choice to emphasize the civic and institutional nature of the coinage, marking it as a solid unit of value tied to the stability and reliability of the state.
The symbolism of the square could also reflect the importance of geometry in ancient Greek thought. Greek philosophers, mathematicians, and artists revered geometric principles, and the square, with its equal sides and right angles, was seen as an embodiment of rationality and the ordered universe. The square’s appearance on coins might have been a subtle reflection of these philosophical ideals, reinforcing the idea that the currency was not just a medium of exchange but also an expression of the rational, structured nature of Greek society.
 Thrace, Abdera ΣΙΜΑΛΟΥ (Simalos) magistrate circa 311-250 BCE Æ 17 mm, 3,89g Griffin lying left / Laureate head of Apollo right in linear square; EΠI ΣI-MA-ΛOY around C-N Period XI, 562–626; HGC 3.2, 1234 |
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