TROAS. Alexandria Troas. Severus Alexander, 222-235. 'As' (Bronze, 25 mm, 7.66 g, 2 h). I M AVΡ S ELEXANDR VG (sic!) Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right, seen from behind.
Rev. COL AV / TROA Drunken Herakles advancing right, leaning on Pan's shoulder standing in front of him, holding pedum, and being supported by two satyrs standing behind him. Bellinger A335. RPC VI online 3987. Very rare and with a highly interesting reverse type. Smoothed
, otherwise, very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
Herakles was the greatest hero of the Graeco-Roman pantheon - strongest and bravest among all heroes. Yet, despite his heroic stature, he is sometimes depicted exhibiting human frailty, as seen on this coin. Here, he appears in a drunken stupor, supported by the god Pan and two satyrs (or possibly men, as they lack the goat hind-quarters typical of satyrs, such as Pan who stands before him). This striking contrast between Herakles’ heroic and vulnerable sides underscores that, although a demigod, he remains close to ordinary mortals, sharing their weaknesses. In doing so, it reflects the nobility and frailty inherent in us all.
