Coin: Tetradrachm, Thasos

This Greek coin is a Tetradrachm from Thasos, an island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. It was struck in the mid-2nd century BCE. The obverse is a profile of Dionysus, Greek god of grapes and therefore wine. The reverse contains a standing Hercules leaning on his usual club. To the right of Hercules are the letters ΗΡΑΚΛΕΚΥΣ (Eta Rho Alpha Kappa Lambda Epsilon Kappa Upsilon Sigma) (the second kappa in its sometimes used Q like form). Below Hercules are the letters ΘΑΣΙΩΝ (Theta Alpha Sigma Iota Omega Nu). To the left of Hercules are the letters ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ (Sigma Omega Tau Eta Rho Omicron Sigma). Taken all together: Hercules, the savior of the people of Thasos.