Gordian III. AD 238-244. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.01 g, 1h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3229. Estimated: $ 75

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 35. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Gordian III. AD 238-244. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.01 g, 1h). Rome mint, 4th officina. 8th-11th emissions, AD 240-243. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVTI AVGVSTI, the “Farnese” Hercules standing facing, head right, resting right hand on hip and placing left on club set on rock; lion skin beside club. RIC IV 95; RSC 404. VF, toned, flan crack, deposits.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Ex Dorchester hoard; purchased from Joe Powers in 1950 for @ $3.

This reverse type is modeled after, or based on the same subject as the famed marble Farnese Hercules statue that was discovered in the excavations of the Baths of Caracalla in 1546. It stood for over 200 years in the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, from whence it gained its name, and was moved to Naples in 1787, where it is now displayed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. The statue is thought to be an enlarged copy sculpted in the early 3rd century AD by Glykon based on an original by Lysippos dating to the 4th century BC. The statue depicts Hercules at rest after completing his Labors: he is shown standing with his club, draped in the skin of the Nemean Lion, set upright on a rock, propped under his left arm supporting the weight of his muscular frame, his head slightly nodding forward in a weary attitude, and he holds the apples of the Hesperides behind his back in his right hand. The sculpture was apparently well-liked by Romans, and copies have been found in Roman palaces and gymnasiums.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.