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13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles

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13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles
Image Not Available for 13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles

13. Silver tetradrachm with head of Alexander as Herakles

Place of OriginGreece, Chios
Dateearly 2nd century BCE
DimensionsOverall: 1 1/4 x 1 3/8 x 1/8 in.
MediumCoin; die-stamped silver
ClassificationMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Dennis and Joyce Kapp
Object number
1983.78
On View
Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic
Label TextAlexander the Great, the Macedonian king who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the time he turned 30, is represented on these coins wearing the characteristic Herakles lion skin. Herakles represented an ideal to the Greeks—a society that valued strength, courage, and victory—and Alexander wished to associate himself with these positive traits. Although separated by over a century, these two silver coins help illustrate the prevalence of the Herakles myth in Greek society, as well as the enduring influence of Alexander.

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