Nomos 18

BRUTTIUM. Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. Stater (Silver, 21 mm, 7.55 g, 12 h), circa 340s BC. ΚΡΟΤΟΝΙΑ - ΤΑΣ Laureate head of Apollo to right, with his long hair streaming down the back of his neck. Rev. Infant Herakles seated facing, strangling two snakes. HN III 2157. Jameson 433. Kraay & Hirmer 271. SNG ANS 386. SNG Lloyd 618. A coin of fine and elegant style. Has been expertly cleaned, otherwise, good very fine.

From a Swiss collection formed prior to 2005.

The reverse of this coin recalls the story of Hera's anger at Alkmene, one of Zeus's many girlfriends and, by him, the mother of Herakles. As a result, Hera sent two snakes to share the infant's crib; of course, this was all in fun and, in fact, the infant Herakles laughed heartily at the sight of the serpents, strangled them both and, when found, was looking around for more. According to some sources, the young child, now, because of his exploit, with the epithet Herakliskos Drakonopnigon ('Little Herakles the Snake Strangler'), summoned Hermes (the messenger of the gods), packed the bodies of the snakes in a box marked ἐπιστροφή στον αποστολέα = Return to Sender, and gave it to Hermes with the request he deliver it to Hera! The dies used to strike this coin are very similar but not the same as those used for the preceeding lot: this indicates that, as an issue, this Herakliskos series was a rather extensive one (albeit with a low rate of survival).