Heracles

The plaque bears Heracles running next to Ceryneian Hind, both facing left, within heavily beaded border. Signed at bottom, EDWARD FIELD SANFORD JR. 1914.

It was Heracles' third labour to catch the Ceryneian Hind. Heracles had proven that killing great beasts was a challenge he could overcome with relative ease. Catching the Ceryneian Hind was supposed to be impossible as the sacred deer could outrun even arrows that were shot at her. Even were Heracles to succeed, by doing so he would anger the goddess Artemis, because the hind was hers.

Heracles succeeded by catching the hind, apologizing to Artemis and promising to let the hind go after the completion of his task, and then tricking Eurystheus into letting the hind go after he had confirmed the challenge's completion.

The circular plaque measures 142.5mm in diameter and was cast in bronze. No mintage is reported.

The medal's obverse bears the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, depicting Zeus seated on a throne, holding a scepter in his left hand and a figure of Victory; priests at his feet provide a measure of scale.

The reverse bears calendar panel in three columns surrounded by twelve scenes depicting Heracles' Labors. At top of middle panel, 2001

Heracles was Zeus' mortal son who is said to have established the Olympic Games to honor his father. Heracles' Twelve Labors are a series of episodes concerning a penance carried out by Heracles, the greatest of the Greek heroes, whose name was later Romanised as Hercules. They were accomplished over 12 years at the service of King Eurystheus.

The medals were originally offered for a price of $34.95 per bronze piece and $169.00 per silver piece.

The circular medal measures 76.3mm in diameter and was struck in antiqued bronze and silver by the Medallic Art Company of Dayon, Nevada. No mintages are reported.

References:   Cal MA-2001