The coins minted to honor the poet hold 4 different variations of Homer on one side, while the reverse depicts the sphinx, which was the emblem of the city of Chios. On all coins, the poet sits on a throne, as is typical of gods, and we can read the inscription ΟΜΗΡΟΣ or ΟΜΗΡΟΣ ΧΙΟΣ (HOMER or HOMER CHIOS). The sphinx is the symbol of ancient Chios; according to myth, this creature with the head and breast of a woman and the body of a lion stands to watch over the tomb of Oenopion, the first king and settler of Chios. The sphinx is often represented on the coins of Chios with its foot resting on an amphora, or standing at the bow of a ship, or holding a bunch of grapes, thus clearly describing that the sphinx was considered as the island’s protector.