★ Farnese Hercules ★

Gordian III (238-244), AR Antoninianus. Rome, 3.89g, 24.5mm.
Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; The Farnese Hercules: statue of Hercules right, with apples of the Hesperides and lion skin, and leaning upon club.
RIC 95.
Better reverse type; mustachio’d portrait.
The reverse is based on the Farnese Hercules statue that was discovered in the Baths of Caracalla in 1546, stood for 200 years in the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, and may now be found in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. It depicts Hercules at rest after completing his Labours.