MYSIA. Germe. Julia Mamaea, Augusta, 222-235. Hexassarion (Bronze, 37 mm, 19.85 g, 6 h), Marcus Aurelius Rufinus, son of Verus, strategos. IOYΛIA MAMЄA CЄB Diademed and draped bust of Julia Mamaea to right. Rev. ЄΠΙ ϹΤΡ Μ ΑΥΡ ΡΟΥΦЄΙΝΟΥ // ΓЄΡΜΗΝΩ/Ν Herakles seated to left on rock, holding uncertain object in his right hand. Ehling -. RPC V.2 online -. Unpublished and unique. Good fine.



This piece holds significance for several reasons: First, it represents the first known large bronze coin of Julia Mamaea from Germe, whereas only medium bronzes had been documented previously. Second, it is the only coin of Mamaea to include the name of a magistrate - Marcus Aurelius Rufinus, son of Verus - who is also attested on large and medium bronzes of Severus Alexander. Third, the reverse introduces a previously unknown design for Germe, depicting a seated male deity. While this figure initially appears to be the conventional seated Zeus, key details - such as the absence of a scepter, the muscular build, and the stocky, long-bearded head - strongly suggest it represents Herakles instead. It is also likely that the lion skin is draped over the rock on which he sits, though the object held by Herakles is unfortunately not discernible. This identification is further supported by the fact that Herakles also appears on two other large bronzes issued by Rufinus, indicating that the hero played a particularly prominent role in this coinage.