Artwork Page for Tetradrachm: Head of Young Herakles (obverse); Zeus (reverse)

Details / Information for Tetradrachm: Head of Young Herakles (obverse); Zeus (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Head of Young Herakles (obverse); Zeus (reverse)

336–323 BCE

Greek, Macedonian, minted at Amphipolis (Macedonia), reign of Alexander III [The Great]

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Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 2.6 cm (1 in.)
Weight: 16.913 g (0.6 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.981
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The Pegasos protome beside Zeus (on the reverse) indicates that this coin was minted at Amphipolis.

Description

On this coin, the head of a youthful Herakles, wearing his lion-skin, appears on the obverse, with his father Zeus, king of the gods, seated on the reverse. For Alexander III (the Great), who claimed descent from the line of Herakles, coins like this one projected power. Thus, while their attributes (lion-skin, eagle, scepter) identify hero and god, the inscription ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ (of Alexander) identifies the leader.
A dark gray silver coin displays two circular faces side-by-side. On our left, a profile head faces right, wearing a lion-skin headdress with paws knotted at the throat. On our right, a shirtless figure sits on a throne facing left, holding a bird on his outstretched hand and a tall staff. Greek text borders the right edge. Worn, textured metal with irregular edges forms the circular shapes.

Tetradrachm: Head of Young Herakles (obverse); Zeus (reverse)

336–323 BCE

Greek, Macedonian, minted at Amphipolis (Macedonia), reign of Alexander III [The Great]

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