Aureus - Maximianus VIRTVTI HERCVLIS or VIRTVTI ERCVLIS; Hercules
| Gold | 5.2 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305) Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 284-294 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.2 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#306651 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVTI HERCVLIS or VIRTVTI ERCVLIS
-/-//SC
Translation:
Virtuti Herculi.
To the courage of Hercules.
Comment
Mass varies: 5.12–5.17 g;Diameter varies: 20–20.5 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus - Maximianus coin features an image of Hercules on one side and the Roman emperor Maximianus on the other. This coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was facing significant economic challenges, and the use of gold coins like the Aureus - Maximianus was a way for the government to promote the value of the Roman currency and stabilize the economy. Despite the challenges, the Aureus - Maximianus coin remains a valuable and highly sought-after collector's item today, with some examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.