Genuine Ancient Greek Coin 336-323 BC Silver Pendant depicting Heracles with a lion skin (Minted by Alexander the Great)

This pendant features a stunning 4th century BC Greek silver coin, minted by Alexander the Great, which depicts the legendary hero Heracles (known as Hercules in Roman mythology) wearing a lion skin. On the reverse side, we can see Zeus seated on a throne, holding a scepter and accompanied by an eagle.

Heracles was considered a divine hero in Greek mythology, born to Zeus and Alcmene and raised by Amphitryon. He was known for his incredible strength, courage, and intelligence, and was considered a champion of the Olympian order against chthonic monsters. In Rome, he was widely popular, and the Roman emperors Commodus and Maximian even identified themselves with him.

Despite his great strength, Heracles also possessed wit and cunning, using these qualities to succeed in challenges where brute strength alone was not enough. He was also known for his sexuality, having both male and female lovers. Heracles was often depicted with a lion skin and a club, and he was considered the patron and protector of gymnasia and palaestrae.

Heracles' legendary feats included conquering dangerous archaic forces and making the world safe for mankind, as well as playing games with children. He was a passionate and emotional figure, capable of both great deeds for his friends and terrible vengeance against his enemies. However, in some works of literature, his actions were driven by forces outside rational human control, highlighting the divine aspects of his character.

This sterling silver pendant showcases an authentic Roman coin from the 1st century AD, featuring the portrait of Emperor Augustus. The reverse side of the coin depicts his two nephews, Lucius and Gaius.

Caesar Augustus, originally named Gaius Octavius, was born on September 23, 63 BC, and he passed away on August 19, AD 14. He is famously known as Octavian and was the first Roman emperor, reigning from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. Augustus is renowned for his role as the founder of the Roman Principate, which marked the initial phase of the Roman Empire. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in human history.

Augustus's reign ushered in an era of imperial peace known as the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta, during which the Roman world experienced relative freedom from large-scale conflicts for over two centuries, despite ongoing wars of expansion on the empire's frontiers and the "Year of the Four Emperors" civil war over the imperial succession.

Born into a wealthy equestrian branch of the plebeian gens Octavia, Augustus inherited the name, estate, and the loyalty of Julius Caesar's legions after being named as his adopted son and heir in Caesar's will. He formed the Second Triumvirate alongside Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus to defeat Caesar's assassins. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the Triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves and ruled as de facto dictators.

After the dissolution of the Second Triumvirate, Augustus restored the outward appearance of a free republic. Power was officially vested in the Roman Senate, executive magistrates, and legislative assemblies. However, Augustus maintained autocratic authority by obtaining lifetime tenure as commander-in-chief, tribune, and censor through the Senate.

Augustus married his daughter, Agrippa, and their union resulted in five children: three sons named Gaius Caesar, Lucius Caesar, and Agrippa Postumus (named so because he was born after Marcus Agrippa's death), and two daughters named Vipsania Julia and Agrippina. It became evident that Augustus intended to make Gaius and Lucius Caesar his heirs when he adopted them as his own children.

Our jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.