Probus (AD 276-282). AV aureus (21mm, 6.47 gm, 11h). ANACS VF 30, plugged, repaired. Siscia, ca. AD 276-282. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, laureate bust of Probus left, wearing imperial mantle, eagle-tipped scepter in right hand, seen from front / HERCVLI ARCADIO, Heracles standing right, subduing Ceryneian Hind with left knee, grasping the animal's antlers with both hands. A seemingly unpublished variety. Cf. Calicó 4155a (obverse legend and bust). Cf. RIC V.II 585 (same). An extremely rare type made even more intriguing by the variant obverse. Ex Nomos, Obolos 17 (20 December 2020), lot 735 This coin is from a series of Probus aurei minted in Siscia depicting the labors of Heracles. The third labor given to Heracles by King Eurystheus of Tiryns was to capture the Ceryneian Hind. A creature sacred to the goddess Artemis, golden antlers, brass hooves, and speed faster than an arrow. Here, Heracles is depicted in the throws of capturing the creature, which he would release back to the goddess upon his successful display to the King.

HID09801242017

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