Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 342 14 January 2015
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THRACE, Perinthus. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ (29mm, 21.93 g, 12h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Labor of the Augean Stables: Hercules standing right, about to strike pile of stones with muck rake to release water; basin at base of pile. Schönert, Perinthos 903; Varbanov 604. VF, green and reddish-brown patina, light smoothing. Extremely rare.
For his Fifth Labor, Hercules was to muck out the stables of Augeas, king of Elis, in a single day. Eurystheus hoped that by doing this, the dirtiest of all the Labors, Hercules would be demeaned and, as the stables had never been cleaned, the completion of the task would be impossible. Hercules succeeded, however, by rerouting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to wash out the filth. Augeas became irate because he had promised Hercules one-tenth of his cattle if the job was finished in one day. The king refused to honor the agreement and Hercules slew him as a result. He installed in his place Augeas' son, Phyleus, as the boy had supported the hero.
For his Fifth Labor, Hercules was to muck out the stables of Augeas, king of Elis, in a single day. Eurystheus hoped that by doing this, the dirtiest of all the Labors, Hercules would be demeaned and, as the stables had never been cleaned, the completion of the task would be impossible. Hercules succeeded, however, by rerouting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to wash out the filth. Augeas became irate because he had promised Hercules one-tenth of his cattle if the job was finished in one day. The king refused to honor the agreement and Hercules slew him as a result. He installed in his place Augeas' son, Phyleus, as the boy had supported the hero.