Even after the dramatic political reforms instituted by Diocletian intended to quell the political unrest in the latter half of the 3rd century plaguing the Roman empire, there was still a definite need for a strong military to reinforce his political machinations. Diocletian found his enforcer in Maximianus, who was quite adept at wielding his state sanctioned violence and martial power. This very real strength was propagandized with numerous associations with Hercules, hence his moniker 'Herculius'. This stunning coin presents Maximianus as a victorious general wearing the laurel crown and Hercules during his first labor defeating the Nemean lion.