Lot 124: Gordian III. A.D. 238-244. AR double denarius. Rome, A.D. 241-243. Good VF, small lamination flaw on neck.

Gordian III. A.D. 238-244. AR double denarius (20 mm, 3.80 g, 7 h). Rome, A.D. 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right / VIRTVTI A-VGVSTI, Hercules leaning right on club set on rock, holding lion's skin. RIC 95; RSC 404. Good VF, small lamination flaw on neck.

It has been suggested that the depiction of Hercules on the reverse of this coin was copied from the 'Farnese Hercules'. The 'Farnese Hercules' is an early third century A.D. masterpiece by the otherwise unknown artist Glykon, who ultimately based his work on the 4th century B.C. sculpture made by the famed artist Lysippos or one of his followers. The statue was commissioned for the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, which was dedicated in A.D. 216, but subsequently was lost to time until it was found in 1546. After its recovery, it was displayed in its own room at Palazzo Farnese in Rome, which was decorated with frescoes depicting the hero's Twelve Labors, but was subsequently moved in 1787 to Naples, where it currently resides in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

[Commentary provided courtesy of Sayles & Lavender, LLC]

Donated by: Pars Coins

• Offered By: VAuctions
• Lot #: 124
• Listing #: 182497
• Closed: Thursday, October 7, 2010 9:06:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $75