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[ΚΕΝΟ]



Herakles on Cretan coins

Ν1186
Metal (Silver)
Use-wear on surfaces
Diameters: 2.6 cm., 1.56 cm.
Unknown provenance
Hellenistic period:
320-280 BC:
Gallery:
XXI
Case:
212
Exhibition thematic unit:
Cretan Coinage
Gods, heroes and daemons on Cretan coinage
Description
Herakles, an immensely popular hero of the ancient Greek world, often appears on the coins of cities or kings, commemorating local versions of the myths involving him. In Crete, his images are found on rare issues of Allaria and Hersonissos (Chersonesus) and more common ones of Praisos, while those on the numerous coins of Phaistos stand out for their quality and variety. They confirm that Herakles was believed, according to one tradition, to be the father of Phaestus, the founder of the city. Silver coins of Phaistos depict five different labours of Herakles (the Nemean Lion, the Bull of Crete, the Apples of the Hesperides, the Augean Stables and the Lernaean Hydra), some in more than one version. Some of these are exceptionally well made, standing out from ancient Cretan numismatic production as a whole. The issues of Praisos only depict the labour of the Stymphalian Birds, on both sides. 1. Phaistos (stater, 320-300 BC). Obverse: Herakles attacking the Lernaean Hydra. Rendered with a naturalism and sense of perspective drawn from a sculpted original. Reverse: a bull moving left. Inscription ΦΑΙΣΤΙΟΝ (Phaistion, “of the Phaistians”). 2. Praisos (drachm, 320-280 BC). Obverse: half-torso of kneeling Herakles shooting with bow to the right. Reverse: a bird flying left.
Bibliography:
J. Svoronos, Numismatique de la Crète ancienne, Mâcon 1890, pp. 262,54. pl. XXΙV, 16 and p. 287, 8-9var., pl. XXVII,6-7. LeRider, Monnaies Crétoises du Ve au Ier siècle av. J-C, Paris 1966, pp. 195 and 197.
Author:
K. S.


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