|
HOME :
Coin Jewelry :
Greek Coin Rings : Siculo-Punic Silver Tetradrachm
|
 |
|
|
|
Siculo-Punic Silver Tetradrachm - FJ.5719
Origin: Asia Minor
Circa: 300
BC
Collection: Coin Jewelry
Medium: Silver/Gold
Additional Information: Set in an 18 karat gold ring.
£6,500.00
Location: UAE
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
During the 4th century B.C., the
Carthaginians
issued silver tetradrachms in Sicily
for the
payment of mercenaries in the wars
against the
Greeks. Known as siculo-punic coins,
these
tetradrachms were stunning in both
craftsmanship and imagery, as
evidenced in this
distinctive silver coin. The front of
the
tetradrachm depicts the head and neck
of a
magnificent horse. With mouth open
wide and
stylized mane flying in the wind, we
can almost
feel his ancient kinetic spirit. An
accompanying
image of a small palm tree appears to
the right
of the horse. On the reverse side of
the coin the
powerful head of the Greek God
Heracles
appears, one of the most popular
deities in
classical antiquity. Through the
centuries his
name has been synonymous with strength
and
adventure. Heracles was said to be the
son of
Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, and
Alcmene, a
mortal queen. His earliest feat of
strength,
performed while still in the cradle,
was to
strangle two serpents sent to kill him
by Hera,
jealous wife of Zeus. The tales about
Heracles'
adventures are the most numerous in
ancient
classical mythology. His most famous
exploits
are the "twelve labors,” difficult
tasks performed
with a mixture of skill, and cunning
and sheer
strength. Here, Heracles is depicted
in a lion
skinhead dress, representative of the
first of his
labors. How apropos that the Ancient
Carthaginians should portray this
fierce warrior
on coins minted during their war with
the
Greeks. Today, the imagery on this
magnificent
coin, framed in a regal gold ring
setting, is every
bit as powerful as it was centuries
ago. The
spirited energy that emanates from the
wild
horse and the undefeated Heracles
continue to
express it most effectively.
- (FJ.5719)
|
| |
|
