Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 18 27 June 2015
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Mysia, Kyzikos EL Hekte. Circa 405-404 BC. Herakliskos Drakonopnigon, nude, kneeling to right, strangling two serpents writhing behind him; below, tunny fish swimming to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 160. 2.71g, 11mm.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
Herakles was the son of Zeus and Alkmene. This union and the child it produced enraged Zeus' wife, Hera, who tried to kill Herakles. Shortly after his birth, she sent two serpents to strangle the infant as he lay sleeping in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with their lifeless bodies: during the night he had strangled one in each hand. This early example of his renowned strength earned him the name Herakliskos Drakonopnigon, or 'the serpent-slaying infant Herakles.'
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare.
Herakles was the son of Zeus and Alkmene. This union and the child it produced enraged Zeus' wife, Hera, who tried to kill Herakles. Shortly after his birth, she sent two serpents to strangle the infant as he lay sleeping in his crib. The following morning, the nurse discovered Herakles playing with their lifeless bodies: during the night he had strangled one in each hand. This early example of his renowned strength earned him the name Herakliskos Drakonopnigon, or 'the serpent-slaying infant Herakles.'