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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 27.87 g, 11h). Dated RY 10 (AD 146/7). AYT K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC CЄB ЄYC, laureate head right / Herakles and Hippolyte’s Girdle – Herakles standing right, nude but for lion's skin draped over his left shoulder, holding club with left hand over his left shoulder and with right hand he seizes the “Golden Girdle” from the prostrate Hippolyte on her fallen horse which lies left; L ΔЄKATOY (date) around. Köln 1539; Dattari (Savio) –; K&G 35.345; RPC IV.4 14888; Emmett 1540.10 (R4). Red and brown surfaces, fields smoothed, details enhanced. Good VF. Very rare bust type of an already rare variety.
At the request of Admete, Eurystheus’ daughter, Herakles as his Ninth Labor went to seize the golden girdle of Hippolyte, a garment that gave power and supremacy to the wearer. The daughter of Otrera and the god Ares, Hippolyte was the queen of the Amazons, an all female warrior race who lived near the slopes of the Caucasus. To carry out this Labor, Herakles organized an expedition, which included the Athenian hero Theseus. Upon the heroes’ arrival, the Amazon women greeted them warmly, while Hippolyte offered the girdle as a gift. Hera, on hearing this, took the form of an Amazon, spreading a rumor that Herakles had come to steal away their queen, and take her back with him to Greece. The female warriors, in protection of their queen, began fighting the heroes. In the melée that followed, Herakles slew Hippolyte, thinking she had betrayed him. Winning the battle, Herakles headed back for Mycenae. On the way, he saved the life of Hesione, daughter of Laomedon, king of Troy. Laomedon, however, refused to reward the hero for his service. In retribution, Herakles slew the king and all his sons, save the youngest, Podarces, who later became known as Priam.
The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.
Triton XXVI – Session Two – Lot 335-673 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 10 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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