Akarnania. Oiniadai circa 424-400 BC.
Drachm AR

14 mm, 1,88 g

Bearded head of androkephalic river-god Acheloos with horns facing, turned slightly to left / Head of the nymph Kallirhoe with pearl-diadem in hair facing slightly to left, within incuse square.

Fine

HGC 4, 898.

Achelous, also spelled "Acheloos," is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, representing the river god of the Achelous River, the largest river in Greece. He is often depicted as a powerful and shape-shifting deity associated with water and rivers. Achelous is known for his appearance in various myths, most notably his contest with the hero Heracles over the hand of Deianira, a princess. According to the myth, Achelous transformed himself into different forms during the contest, including a bull and a serpent. Despite his transformations, Heracles was ultimately victorious and broke one of Achelous' horns. The broken horn of Achelous became the Cornucopia, or "Horn of Plenty," a symbol of abundance and nourishment. Achelous is also linked to the creation of the island of Echinades in the Ionian Sea, as well as to various river-related stories and local myths. In art and literature, Achelous is often depicted as a bearded and horned deity, symbolizing the power and fertility of water. He plays a significant role in ancient Greek mythology as a representation of the natural forces and phenomena associated with rivers and waterways.