In the world of ancient numismatics, a helmet decorated with Skylla (or Scylla) is one of the most iconic and artistically sophisticated designs found on Greek coinage.
While the classic Athenian “Owl” coins feature Athena in a helmet adorned with olive leaves, certain Western Greek colonies took the artistry to a new level by placing a mythical sea monster on her crest.
What is a Skylla?
In Greek mythology, Skylla was a terrifying sea monster who lived in a narrow strait (traditionally the Strait of Messina between Italy and Sicily). She was usually depicted as having the upper body of a woman, but with a serpent-like fish tail and six ferocious dogs growing from her waist.
Why is she on Athena’s Helmet?
The “Skylla-type” helmet is most famously associated with the city of Thurium (Thourioi) in Lucania (Southern Italy).
- A Symbol of Naval Power: Since Skylla was a monster of the sea, her presence on the helmet symbolized the city’s maritime strength and control over the waters.
- Artistic Signature: These coins are considered some of the finest examples of the “Classical Style.” On the high-relief silver distaters (double-nomos) of Thurium, Skylla is often shown in a dynamic pose—leaning forward, scanning the horizon, or even hurling a rock.
- Protection: Much like the Gorgon’s head (the Aegis), Skylla acted as an apotropaic symbol—a magical ward intended to terrify enemies and protect the wearer.
Where to Find Them
As a collector or cataloguer, you will primarily see this decoration on coins from Magna Graecia (Southern Italy and Sicily) minted between 440 BCE and 280 BCE:
- Thurium (Lucania): The gold standard for this type. The helmet is typically an Attic style with Skylla featured prominently on the bowl.
- Tarentum (Calabria): Found on silver drachms and diobols, often showing Skylla throwing a stone.
- Velia (Lucania): Some early transitional types show Athena wearing a helmet with a Skylla that closely mimics the Thurian style.
Cataloguer’s Tip: When describing these, look closely at Skylla’s hand. On the best-preserved specimens, you can often see her holding a rudder or a trident, which adds a specific layer of narrative to the coin’s history.