Europa and the Bull

This coin depicts the figure of a woman on one side, and a bull on the other. This recalls the story of Europa, a woman who caught the eye of the god Zeus.

One day, as Europa was wandering about her father’s grounds, Zeus took notice of her beauty and desired to take her away to be with him. In order to trick her, he transformed into a great white bull. Europa was enchanted by the animal, and sat upon his back. Zeus then went away to Crete, abducting Europa. She later bore two sons of Zeus and married the king of Crete, giving her name to the continent of Europe.

Author: Laetitia Philie