★ Herakles and the apples of the Hesperides ★

Gordianus III AE34, Tarsus

Gordianus III (238-244 AD). AE34 (21.86 g). Cilicia, Tarsus.
Obv. AVT K M ANTΩNIOC ΓOPΔIANOC CEB / Π Π, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, holding spear and shield decorated with gorgoneion between two serpents.
Rev. TAPCOV MHTPOΠOΛEΩ, A / M in left field, K / Γ / B in right field, Herakles standing left holding club in right hand, apples of the Hesperides in left hand, lion skin hanging from left forearm, to left dead serpent in tree.
SNG Paris 1669 (same dies).

Light green patina. Fine/almost very fine.

See Voegtli, Heldenepen, pp. 42-44: this scene appears on the provincial coins of Tarsus and ten other cities.

From the François Righetti Collection.