Ancient Greek Pegasus & Heracles Pendant

Coin: Silver Drachm
Obverse: Head of Herakles wearing the Nemean Lion skin
Reverse: Pegasus flying right
Date: 250 - 229 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight: 4.3 grams
Diameter: 19 mm / .75 in

Description

This item is an authentic ancient Greek silver Drachm from Dyrrhachion, placed in a handmade bezel of 14k gold. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.

Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.

History of the Artifact

This silver drachm was struck at Dyrrhachion, the important Greek colony on the Adriatic coast of Illyria, around 250–229 BC. The obverse depicts the youthful head of Herakles wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion, an image strongly reminiscent of the famous silver coinage of Alexander the Great. Herakles embodied extraordinary strength, courage, and heroic achievement, while the lion skin refers to the first of his legendary Twelve Labors. Dyrrhachion occupied a strategically important position between the Greek world and the western Balkans, developing into a prosperous port through maritime commerce across the Adriatic.

The reverse features Pegasus, the mythical winged horse, shown in flight with the abbreviated ethnic ΔΥΡ identifying Dyrrhachion. According to Greek mythology, Pegasus sprang from the blood of Medusa and was later ridden by the hero Bellerophon in his battle against the Chimera, becoming an enduring symbol of divine power, speed, and heroic mythology. The pairing of Herakles and Pegasus gives this relatively small coin an unusually rich mythological character, while its imagery demonstrates the continued influence of broader Greek artistic traditions on the independent cities of the Adriatic during the Hellenistic period.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact coin pendant which is shown in the photos.

In antiquity, silver coins like these were frequently buried for safekeeping as personal savings or accumulated in larger hoards during periods of war and political uncertainty. The durability of silver allowed many to survive more than two thousand years underground, particularly when protected together inside containers or sealed deposits. Many examples known today originate from such hoards, which have been legally uncovered, carefully examined, and dispersed into the modern numismatic trade. From there they pass through reputable dealers and auctions, where their designs, inscriptions, weight, and style are studied, authenticated, cataloged, and distributed as genuine artifacts of the ancient Greek world.