The reverse of this remarkable coin depicts one of the earliest miraculous feats of Herakles, the Greek hero and son of Zeus and Alkmene. From an early age, Herakles and his twin brother Iphikles aroused the wrath of their stepmother, Hera. In an attempt to kill the infants, Hera placed two serpents in their crib. However, having unknowingly nursed Herakles as an infant, Hera had inadvertently transferred her own divine powers to him. As a result, Herakles was able to strangle both serpents with his bare hands. While some have speculated that the depiction of Herakles strangling the serpents may be related to Kroton's struggle against Dionysios I of Syracuse, the more likely association is with the conflicts between Greek cities and the native Bruttian and Lucanian tribes.

The representation of Herakles strangling the serpents appears in Greek art from the early 5th century BC, marking a significant moment in the hero's mythological life. This iconic scene illustrates Hera's attempt to kill Herakles, enraged by his birth, and her subsequent failure as the infant hero overpowers the serpents. The myth encapsulates both Herakles' divine strength and his connection to Zeus, underscoring his heroic qualities from a young age. The narrative, rooted in ancient Greek myth, emphasizes the themes of divine intervention and the hero's triumph over adversity.

This coin is an example of the exceptional artistry of Greek engravers during this period. Struck in Magna Graecia, it showcases the high level of skill in coin production and the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. This particular type of coin is rare and considered one of the finest surviving examples from that time. The myth of Herakles and the serpents not only reflects the hero's mythological significance but also highlights the importance of these legendary tales in ancient Greek art and culture, celebrating the divine power of Zeus and the strength of his son.

BRUTTIUM, Kroton. Circa 400-325 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 7.70 g, 11h). Head of Apollo right, wearing laurel wreath; KPOTΩNIA-TAΣ around / The Herakliskos Drakonopnigon: the Infant Herakles, nude, crouching facing on rock, head left, strangling a serpent in each hand. Attianese 163 (this coin illustrated and enlarged); HN Italy 2157; SNG ANS 386 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 617–8; Basel 199; Dewing 513; Gulbenkian 132–3; Jameson 433–4; Kraay & Hirmer 271; de Luynes 735 (same dies)

From the Gasvoda Collection, purchased from Numismatica Ars Classica. Ex Gorny & Mosch 219 (10 March 2014), lot 19; Giessener Münzhandlung 55 (14 May 1991), lot 30.