Large Silver Coin from the Greek Island of Cos (about 2,370 years old)
This large silver coin is a tetradrachm from the island of Cos (now Kos, Greece), located near the coast of what is now Turkey. Produced around 350-345 BC during the Classical Greek period, this coin represents the island's prosperity and artistic achievement during a time when Greek city-states maintained their own distinctive coinage.
Coin Description:
Front side: The coin features the head of the hero Heracles (better known as Hercules in Roman mythology) wearing his iconic lion skin headdress. The lion skin was taken from the Nemean Lion, which Heracles killed as one of his twelve labors.
Back side: A detailed crab is shown from above, with a club (another symbol associated with Heracles) positioned underneath. The name of the magistrate, NESTORIDAS, is inscribed, indicating the local official who oversaw the minting.
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Tetradrachm (a large denomination equal to four drachms, which would have been significant purchasing power in daily transactions)
Weight: 15.14 grams
Overseen by magistrate Nestoridas
Minted approximately 350-345 BC
Condition: Unusually well-preserved with attractive dark coloring from age (toning)
Historical Significance: This coin was produced during a period when Cos was an independent Greek city-state, though it had joined the Athenian League earlier in the century. The island was known for its sanctuary of Asclepius (god of medicine) and its medical school where Hippocrates, the famous physician, had studied. The tetradrachm represents the economic strength of Cos, as large silver coins were used primarily for major transactions and foreign trade rather than everyday purchases. The crab design was symbolic of the island's maritime identity and connections to Poseidon, while Heracles was widely venerated throughout the Greek world. The dark coloring on this well-preserved specimen results from natural tarnishing over its approximately 2,370-year existence, making it a particularly attractive example for collectors.
This large silver coin is a tetradrachm from the island of Cos (now Kos, Greece), located near the coast of what is now Turkey. Produced around 350-345 BC during the Classical Greek period, this coin represents the island's prosperity and artistic achievement during a time when Greek city-states maintained their own distinctive coinage.
Coin Description:
Front side: The coin features the head of the hero Heracles (better known as Hercules in Roman mythology) wearing his iconic lion skin headdress. The lion skin was taken from the Nemean Lion, which Heracles killed as one of his twelve labors.
Back side: A detailed crab is shown from above, with a club (another symbol associated with Heracles) positioned underneath. The name of the magistrate, NESTORIDAS, is inscribed, indicating the local official who oversaw the minting.
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Tetradrachm (a large denomination equal to four drachms, which would have been significant purchasing power in daily transactions)
Weight: 15.14 grams
Overseen by magistrate Nestoridas
Minted approximately 350-345 BC
Condition: Unusually well-preserved with attractive dark coloring from age (toning)
Historical Significance: This coin was produced during a period when Cos was an independent Greek city-state, though it had joined the Athenian League earlier in the century. The island was known for its sanctuary of Asclepius (god of medicine) and its medical school where Hippocrates, the famous physician, had studied. The tetradrachm represents the economic strength of Cos, as large silver coins were used primarily for major transactions and foreign trade rather than everyday purchases. The crab design was symbolic of the island's maritime identity and connections to Poseidon, while Heracles was widely venerated throughout the Greek world. The dark coloring on this well-preserved specimen results from natural tarnishing over its approximately 2,370-year existence, making it a particularly attractive example for collectors.
This large silver coin is a tetradrachm from the island of Cos (now Kos, Greece), located near the coast of what is now Turkey. Produced around 350-345 BC during the Classical Greek period, this coin represents the island's prosperity and artistic achievement during a time when Greek city-states maintained their own distinctive coinage.
Coin Description:
Front side: The coin features the head of the hero Heracles (better known as Hercules in Roman mythology) wearing his iconic lion skin headdress. The lion skin was taken from the Nemean Lion, which Heracles killed as one of his twelve labors.
Back side: A detailed crab is shown from above, with a club (another symbol associated with Heracles) positioned underneath. The name of the magistrate, NESTORIDAS, is inscribed, indicating the local official who oversaw the minting.
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Tetradrachm (a large denomination equal to four drachms, which would have been significant purchasing power in daily transactions)
Weight: 15.14 grams
Overseen by magistrate Nestoridas
Minted approximately 350-345 BC
Condition: Unusually well-preserved with attractive dark coloring from age (toning)
Historical Significance: This coin was produced during a period when Cos was an independent Greek city-state, though it had joined the Athenian League earlier in the century. The island was known for its sanctuary of Asclepius (god of medicine) and its medical school where Hippocrates, the famous physician, had studied. The tetradrachm represents the economic strength of Cos, as large silver coins were used primarily for major transactions and foreign trade rather than everyday purchases. The crab design was symbolic of the island's maritime identity and connections to Poseidon, while Heracles was widely venerated throughout the Greek world. The dark coloring on this well-preserved specimen results from natural tarnishing over its approximately 2,370-year existence, making it a particularly attractive example for collectors.
