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 Apparently unpublished and unique, an issue of great interest.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.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
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.
