EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.68 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). Near VF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 577. Estimated: $ 7 500

The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 5 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Drachm (35mm, 23.68 g, 12h). Labors of Herakles series. Dated RY 5 (AD 141/2). [AVT] K T AIΛ A∆P ANTωNINOC ЄVCЄB, laureate head right / Herakles and Hippolyte’s Girdle – Herakles standing right, 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 Є (date) to right. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 2616 = RPC IV.4 463.4 = Figari & Mosconi 624 = Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 156 (this coin); K&G 35.144; Emmett 1540.5 (R4). Dark brown surfaces, trace deposits, scratches, flaws at edge on reverse. Near VF. Extremely rare.

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection (Triton XXI, 9 January 2018), lot 156, purchased from Renzo Canavesi, Sagno, 1996; Renzo Canavesi Collection (Sagno); Dr. Piero Beretta Collection (Milan); Giovanni Dattari (†1923) Collection.

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 race who lived near the slopes of the Caucasus. To carry off 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 most of his sons.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Two – Lot 302-613 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 13 January 2026 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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