TYPE Roman Empire, Commodus (180-192 AD), silver denarius, struck 191-2, 3.90g DESCRIPTION . Obv: Laureate head of Commodus to right Rev: Hercules with club and lion skin in left hand, placing right hand on trophy, Latin legend HERCVLI ROMANO AVG REFERENCE: RSC 202, RIC 254a GRADING: VF+, some gray toning, mid-trophy flat ORDER INFO: R1315, $165 Commodus' infatuation and subsequent identification with Hercules late in his reign are well known, and also well documented on his coinage. This masterfully engraved reverse of fine style shows excellent detail of the nude hero (as well as lion-skin), and despite limited area, facial features suggestive of Commodus. An unusually heavy piece, reminiscent in that aspect of the Republican denarii - enigmatic, but probably an accident, more so than the emperor's attempt to revive monetary along with Herculian valor. Commodus' mounting excesses, exemplified but not limited to those with his deadly Herculian club, were finally brought to an end by a successful palace coup shortly after this coin was minted.