So I recently discovered a pair of spectacular gilded Hercules statues found in the forum Boarium. then I was browsing the Roma catalog and I believe I’ve found a numismatic match for the gilded Hercules!
This is the denarius version of that coin Trajan Ar Denarius 103 AD. Obv Head right laureate. Rv Statue of Hercules standing on low plinth facing. RIC 79 Woytek 164a This coin illustrated. 3.02 grms 18 mm Photo by W. Hansen I am impressed with the two gilded statues though I cannot say that either of them actually are the statue depicted on the coin. To me my denarius depicts Hercules wearing his traditional lion skin headdress. This feature can be seen on the aureus as well though it is less distinct. It is possible though unlikely that the first statue may have had it at one time and I am even less confident about the second.
Great details on your coin! I couldn’t quite see the headdress on the aureus, but it’s very obvious on yours. looks like the archetypal model is a variant of that standing type; unfortunately like you said neither of the gilded ones have any trace of headdress...
