GREEK, Kos, Caria, AR Drachm

63328. , cf. BMC Caria p. 198, 44 ff., SNG Cop 636 ff., SNGvA 2756 - 2757, SNG Keckman 293 - 294, Fine/Fair,
3.120 g,
14.1 mm,
Cos mint, c. 357 - 166 B.C.;
obverse bearded head of Herakles right, wearing Nemean lion scalp headdress; reverse KWION, crab, magistrates name and club below, all within square dot border; (Ex FORVM)


"Herakles was travelling by sea when Hera, who hated him, sent a storm, sinking his boats. Hercules and only a few friends survived, swimming to Kos. Once ashore they asked a shepherd for food and shelter. The shepherd refused and insulted Hercules and they fought. People from nearby Antimachia joined the fight against Hercules. Hercules and his friends slipped into a house, disguised as women, and escaped. Another town welcomed Hercules and declared war on Antimachia. Hercules killed the king of Antimachia and married the newly elected king's sister, Halkiopi. Their son, Thessalos, would later be the king of Kos and Nisyros."