Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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MYSIA, Pergamum. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ Medallion (42mm, 40.37 g, 12h). Ti. Claudius Alexander, theologos and strategos. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, aegis on shoulder, seen from the front / Hercules advancing right, holding raised club and lion skin, fighting Amazon (Hippolyte) standing left and holding shield(?). Weisser 2138; RPC VI Online 4210; SNG BN 2259 (same dies). Earthen green patina, minor deposits. VF. Extremely rare, only four known to RPC, this the finest specimen.
At the request of Admete, Eurystheus' daughter, Hercules as his Ninth Labor went to seize the golden girdle of Hippolyte, a garment that gave power and supremacy to the wearer. The daughter of Otrera and the god Ares, Hippolyte was the queen of the Amazons, an all female race who lived near the slopes of the Caucasus. To carry off this Labor, Hercules organized an expedition which included the Athenian hero Theseus. Upon the heroes' arrival, the Amazon women greeted them warmly, while Hippolyte offered the girdle as a gift. Hera, on hearing this, took the form of an Amazon, spreading a rumor that Hercules had come to steal away their queen and take her back with him to Greece. The female warriors, in protection of their queen, began fighting the heroes. In the melée that followed, Hercules slew Hippolyte, thinking she had betrayed him. Winning the battle, Hercules headed back for Mycenae. On the way, he saved the life of Hesione, daughter of Laomedon, king of Troy. Laomedon, however, refused to reward the hero for his service. In retribution, Hercules slew the king and all his sons, save the youngest, Podarces, who later became known as Priam.
At the request of Admete, Eurystheus' daughter, Hercules as his Ninth Labor went to seize the golden girdle of Hippolyte, a garment that gave power and supremacy to the wearer. The daughter of Otrera and the god Ares, Hippolyte was the queen of the Amazons, an all female race who lived near the slopes of the Caucasus. To carry off this Labor, Hercules organized an expedition which included the Athenian hero Theseus. Upon the heroes' arrival, the Amazon women greeted them warmly, while Hippolyte offered the girdle as a gift. Hera, on hearing this, took the form of an Amazon, spreading a rumor that Hercules had come to steal away their queen and take her back with him to Greece. The female warriors, in protection of their queen, began fighting the heroes. In the melée that followed, Hercules slew Hippolyte, thinking she had betrayed him. Winning the battle, Hercules headed back for Mycenae. On the way, he saved the life of Hesione, daughter of Laomedon, king of Troy. Laomedon, however, refused to reward the hero for his service. In retribution, Hercules slew the king and all his sons, save the youngest, Podarces, who later became known as Priam.