Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 536 12 Apr 2023
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CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ (35.5mm, 26.00 g, 12h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Herakles standing left, holding club set on ground, lion skin, and Apples of the Hersperides; to left, the serpent Ladon coiled around tree. SNG BN 1667; RPC VII Online 3072; SNG Levante –. Red-brown surfaces, porosity. Good Fine.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these was to steal the Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules asked the Titan Atlas, the father of Hesperides whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Tiryns for him. Hercules thereupon tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.
Because he had been assisted in completing some of his earlier tasks, Hercules was compelled to undergo two more labors. The first of these was to steal the Apples of the Hesperides, nymphs who lived in a grove at the far western edge of the world. Hercules asked the Titan Atlas, the father of Hesperides whose task it was to hold up the heavens, to retrieve the apples in return for holding up the heavens while he did so. Having accomplished the task, Atlas was reticent to give up his freedom, and told Hercules that he would take back the apples to Tiryns for him. Hercules thereupon tricked the Titan, requesting that Atlas hold the heavens while Hercules adjusted his cloak to be more comfortable.