Gordian III 238-244 AD
Ephesos Bronze 23mm
Bust of Gordian
Herakles grappling with the antlers of the Ceryneian Hind
EFECIWN in exergue (Ephesos)
This reverse clearly shows the assailant as Herakles (not Artemis) with the skin of the Nemean Lion draped over his shoulder.
The Ceryneian Hind (or Golden Hind) was a legendary, incredibly fast creature in Greek mythology with golden antlers and bronze hooves. The Hind was sacred to Artemis. As the third of his twelve labors, Herakles was tasked to capture this fire-snorting Hind alive, a feat requiring him to chase it for a full year.