Knossos Coin

The most intriguing aspect of Knossos coins is their frequent depiction of a labyrinthine pattern, likely inspired by the Minoan palace ruins and the myth of the Minotaur—though not the fantastical beast you'd find in a tourist brochure.

These bronze or silver pieces, minted in Crete from around 300 BC to 67 BC, served as local currency for the city-state, with the labyrinth motif stamped on one side alongside simple inscriptions or symbols. We know they were produced using dies that echoed earlier Greek styles, but specifics like the exact alloy composition remain murky; analyses are ongoing. Mintage figures? Lost to time, probably along with half the ancient world's records.

One oddity: the designs sometimes look like a poorly drawn knot, which might explain why modern forgers find them challenging.

In handling these over the years, I've seen how the patina builds up, turning a crude engraving into something almost elegant. Yet, the myths persist.