Celebrate Hercules’ first Labor by investing in a Nemean Lion 1 oz Silver round, now available at Provident Metals.

The Nemean Lion kicks off the one ounce monthly releases from the 12 Labors of Hercules Series. This .999 fine silver piece will be available from Sept. 12 through Oct. 12, 2014, and a final mintage will be released following the conclusion of sales.

The obverse features the image of Hercules donning the Nemean Lion as armor — the design that will appear on the front of each 1 oz round in the series.

The reverse portrays an attacking Nemean Lion soaring through the air toward its challenger. Bones from previous foes lie under the pouncing lion. Inscriptions read NEMEAN LION and I, the roman numeral denoting Hercules’ first labor.

For his first Labor, Hercules was sent to slay the Nemean Lion — a burly creature with impenetrable fur. Multiple versions of the tale exist, but one myth states that the lion would capture people and hold them hostage in a Nemea cave.

Previous rescue attempts failed as the lion would devour the remains of each person and deliver their bones to Hades.

Hercules traveled to the lion’s cave to fight the beast and complete his labor. Wielding his wooden club and using his tremendous strength, Hercules was able overpower the lion and finish his task.

He used the lion’s sharp claws to cut its indestructible fur and wore it as armor to protect himself in future battles.

12 Labors of Hercules

Driven crazy by Hera, Hercules slew his family — only regretful after recovering his sanity. King Thespius purified the son of Zeus, but to atone for his crimes, he was sent to serve King Eurystheus.

Eurystheus ordered Hercules to execute 10 Labors, which were a series of tasks carried out as penance for his actions. Hercules successfully completed all 10, but because his nephew helped with one and he planned to accept payment for another, Eurystheus forced Hercules to finish two more Labors alone.

Hercules’ Labors adhere to the traditional order of the Bibliotheca:

Nemean Lion – Sept. 12, 2014; Lernaean Hydra – Oct. 12, 2014; Ceryneian Hind – Nov. 12, 2014; Erymanthian Boar – Dec. 12, 2014; Augean Stables – Jan. 12, 2015; Stymphalian Birds – Feb. 12, 2015; Cretan Bull – March 12, 2015; Mares of Diomedes – April 12, 2015; Girdle of Hippolyta – May 12, 2015; Cattle of Geryon – June 12, 2015; Apples of Hesperides – July 12, 2015; Cerberus – Aug. 12, 2015

Secure this Nemean Lion 1 oz Silver round from Provident Metals today.