First Labor of Heracles – Strength Against the Nemean Lion

The first great challenge of Heracles takes shape in this artist-original silver medal. A portrait of the hero with the Nemean Lion is paired with the struggle itself, giving two views of the encounter that supplied one of his most recognizable attributes. Each hand-fabricated piece contains 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver.

The Lion That Weapons Could Not Defeat

In Greek myth, King Eurystheus ordered Heracles to bring back the skin of the lion terrorizing the region around Nemea. Ordinary weapons could not pierce its hide. The hero therefore had to confront the creature at close quarters, overcoming it through wrestling and strangling rather than an arrow or sword.

The lion’s skin subsequently became the hero’s protective covering and a familiar sign of his identity in art. Images of Heracles—also known as Hercules in Roman tradition—could evoke the first labor simply by showing him with that distinctive trophy. This medal uses both portrait and action to bring the myth into focus.

An Artist Original, Individually Struck

This design is an artist original, rather than a reproduction of an ancient coin. Its physical character comes from the maker’s process: edges are hand-hammered, and each heated piece is centered by eye before being hot struck under high-relief dies without a retaining collar. The resulting variations give each medal an individual shape and appearance.

Design Details

Obverse: The head of Heracles appears with the Nemean Lion.

Reverse: Heracles wrestles the lion, concentrating the story on the contest of strength that defines the first labor.

The illustrations above show the optional antique finish.

Note to collectors: Being hand fabricated and hot struck, these medals will exhibit some small irregularities that are not considered to be detracting. The shape, diameter, and device centering will vary on each item.  Great care is taken to ensure there are no glaring inclusions that might diminish eye-appeal while still remaining true to the nature of the fabrication techniques employed.  

Specifications

• Weight: 2 troy ounces
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: Approximately 36 mm; hand fabrication produces variation
• Thickness: 5.5 mm
• Edge: Rough
• Finish: Antiqued

Explore more mythological subjects in our silver round collection.