Obolos 30

LUCANIA. Herakleia. Circa 330/25-281 BC. Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.70 g, 6 h), signed by the engraver Atha... Head of Athena to right, wearing a crested Corinthian helmet adorned, on the bowl, with Skylla hurling a stone to right, and a triple pendant earring; behind Athena's neck, Κ. Rev. ˫ΗΡΑΚΛΗΙΩΝ Youthful Herakles standing facing, nude but for a strap across his chest and with a lion's skin over his left arm, holding a bow and an arrow in his left hand and a club in his right; above club to left, one-handled jug; in field to left, ΑΘΑ. HN III 1384. Van Keuren 86. Surfaces a little rough, otherwise, good very fine.

The city of Herakleia was founded rather late as far as colonies in Magna Graecia go, sometime around 432 BC. The city was a joint foundation between Thurium and Tarentm, but was considered to be a Tarentine colony. With the protection of Tarentum, Herakleia grew prosperous and became known in particular for its art. Its coinage, of course, reflects this, and generally features the head of the goddess Athena - on this coin of particularly pleasing style - and Herakles in a variety of poses, often depicting him slaying the Nemean lion. That is not the case on this lovely nomos, but does portray the demi-god with his club, bow, and the pelt of the Nemean beast.