Hey guys! Sorry the pictures aren't the best, I only have a camera on my phone. This looks to be a Greek coin w/Herakles' head on the observe and I have no idea on the reverse. I can make out the letters M_NT above the (maybe) animal (horse?). Any help would be appreciated, thanks! Coin is 15.5mm, unsure of weight.
I don't know much about Greek coins, and I hope this is not more misleading than helpful, but I do know the Greek town of Elis issued silver coins depicting an eagle eating a rabbit. These coins are similar to yours in design. You might look there.
Amyntas II or III of Macedonia Example from a Triskeles auction: Macedonian Kingdom. Amyntas III. 393-370/69 B.C. Æ (14 mm, 4.18 g, 9 h). Aigai or Pella. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / [A]MYNTA[Σ], eagle standing right, devouring serpent held in its talons. Westermark 34; SNG ANS 100-9; SNG Alpha Bank 214-30. Dark green patina. Well centered. Very fine.
Wow, you guys are so good! Yeah, it looks like it's Amyntas III with Eagle eating serpent. Thank you both! http://www.coinproject.com/coin_detail.php?coin=305482
I'm thinking Amyntas III. He was the father of Philip II and grandfather to Alexander the great! King of Macedonia: Amyntas III AE Tetrachalkon Aigai or Pella Mint 394/3-370/69 BC Obverse: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin Reverse: AMY Eagle standing right, devouring serpent held in its talons References: SNG ANS 100-9; HGC 3.1, 831 Size: 16mm, 4.28g Edit: I see you beat me to it and were able to ID your coin. Good work!
My AMYNTAS III Dadu to Philip II, Grandu to Alexander III Makedon Amyntas III 393-369 BC Herakles lion skin Eagle Serpent SNG ANS 100ff
I read his biography in Wikipedia. It has been a long time since I researched the House. The image of the Eagle Killing Snake (not "eating" though they do that) is symbolic of a revolt. It may be over an oppressor (family, friends, or foreigners) or just an ascendent power on the rise as in this case. When you see this image, check the history for conflict. In this story, there was plenty of it.
