Ancients: SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysius I (405-367 BC). AV 100-litrai or decadrachm (14mm, 5.78 gm, 2h). NGC MS★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Sty...

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Heracles and the Nemean Lion

SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysius I (405-367 BC). AV 100-litrai or decadrachm (14mm, 5.78 gm, 2h). NGC MS★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Attic standard. Ca. 400-370 BC. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, head of Arethusa left in high classical style, hair pulled back into parallel waves along brow line, back held in sphendone decorated with two eight-pointed stars; pellet before, eight-pointed star behind head / Nude youthful Heracles kneeling to right, arms wrapped around neck of Nemean lion crouching left, his head pressed against the lion's back, the lion's claws pushing against his thigh and the ground. HGC 2, 1275. SNG ANS 330. A wonderfully fine example on a buttered flan.

From The Cambridge Collection.

The reverse image of Heracles strangling the Nemean Lion is a work of great power and pathos, and probably is intended to reflect the ongoing struggle between Syracuse (Heracles) and Carthage (lion) for control of Sicily. Dionysius I had just won a great victory over Carthage in 396 BC, providing the impetus for this attractive series of gold pieces. The engraver has captured the moment of maximum tension, with Heracles tightening his grip around the lion's neck and mane while it claws desperately against his legs for escape.

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