Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 22 mm, 3.00 g, 12 h), Cyzicus, 286-287. IMP C M AV MAXIMIANVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximianus to right, seen from behind. Rev. VIRTVTI HERCVLIS / S C Hercules standing front, head to right, holding his right hand behind his back and leaning left on club set on rock; lion's skin draped over club; in field to right, Γ. Cohen -. Gysen -. Hunter -. RIC -. Apparently unpublished and unique, an issue of great interest. The reverse partially corroded, otherwise, good very fine.



The reverse type of this antoninianus was previously solely known from Cyzicus in gold, which corresponds to the S C in the exergue characteristic of gold coinage at this mint. The reverse differs from the aurei only in the officina mark Γ in the right field, clearly indicating that the die was specifically made for antoniniani and not a repurposed aureus die. Why no other pieces from this issue have surfaced remains unclear, but it suggests that the emission was discontinued almost immediately after it began.