Roman Antoninianus Coins

Inv. No.: c142
Date: A.D. 259-268.
Weight: 3.39g
 
Obv.: Postumus, radiate, draped.
IMP.C.POSTVMVS P.F.AVG.

Rev.: Hercules, naked, holding club and lion’s skin in left hand, olive-branch in right.
HERC.PACIFERO

Postumus, governor of Gaul, had assumed the title “Augustus” and been waging war with Gallienus, the legitimate “Augustus”. He succeeded in murdering Gallienus’ son, Salonius. Gallienus declared his son among the gods and gave up the struggle.

While Postumus honoured many gods of the Roman pantheon on his coins as his companions or preservers, Hercules is mentioned more than any other. The reverse implies that Postumus achieved peace in Gaul through the help of Hercules, rather than the general turmoil of the Empire.

Comparanda:
RIC, Postumus 67.