Maximianus Herculius, 286–305

Quinarius 290, Billon 15 mm, 1.49 g. IMP MAXIMIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VIRTVS AVGG Hercules standing r., capturing stag. C 597. RIC 530. Bastien 46 (Lugdunum). King 21b (this coin illustrated).
Very rare. Brown tone and good very fine

Ex Müller 50, 1985, 388a and Lanz 100, 2000, Leo Benz part II, 466 sales.

This quinarius of Maximianus is similar to lot 786 in that it depicts Hercules on the reverse and was part of the imperial propaganda tying Maximianus to the demigod and hero Hercules. Here, however, Hercules is showing subduing the Cyrneian Hind. The Cyrneian Hind was a doe with golden antlers, larger than a bull, with dappled fur and who snorted fire. She was also fleet of foot, making her incredibly difficult for Hercules to capture, which he was assigned as his third labor by the king of Tiryns, Eurystheus, as punishment for the murder of his children while suffering a fit of madness. The Labors of Hercules feature prominently on Maximianus’ coinage, a tribute to his role as Herculius.