Maximianus, denarius, Hercules at rest, Ticinum mint, c.290 AD, the anticipated defeat of Carausius (?), RIC -
I have in my trays a seemingly unique denarius of Maximianus I from the mint of Ticinum. Although this coin is unmarked on the reverse another unique denarius, struck from the same obverse die, but with a different reverse type, carries the mark SMT in the exergue.
The obverse features a laureate, left facing bust of Maximianus, wearing imperial mantle and holding an eagle-tipped sceptre. The legend is MAXIMIANVS AVG CONS III, the third consulship being celebrated in AD 290.
The reverse combines the legend HERCVLI CONSERVATORI with a representation of Hercules, leaning on his club, draped in the skin of the Nemean lion and with his right arm placed behind his back. The image is interpreted as Hercules at rest having completed his labours.
Maximianus, antoninianus, Hercules at rest, Lugdunum mint, Bastien's 2nd issue, c. spring-summer 286 AD, the completion of the campaign against the Bagaudae(?), RIC 437
There are parallels in the coinage struck for Maximianus at Lugdunum in the early part of his reign, through to Bastien’s 5th issue, terminating late 289. During this time the Dyarchy are closely associated with Jupiter (Diocletianus) and Hercules (Maximianus) on the coinage and in the contemporary written record. After this date the coin types no longer emphasize this allusion.
Maximianus, antoninianus, Hercules wrestling the Nemean lion, Lugdunum mint, Bastien's 5th issue, c. late 287 to late 289 AD, the ongoing campaign against Carausius(?), RIC 454
