Maximianus             286 - 310 A.D.

 

One of the members of the Tetrarchy, Maximianus had a convoluted reign that started when he and Diocletian began ruling as equals in 286. Maximianus was in charge of the western portion of the empire along with Constantius I, his junior in command, while Diocletian and Galerius ruled the eastern half. After several years of putting down revolts and usurpers, both he and Diocletian abdicated to let their Caesars take their place in 306. However, this peaceful arrangement would come to an end soon when Maximianus's son Maxentius initiated a revolt of his own. Seeing that it would lend an air of legitimacy to his claims, Maxentius requested his father to return to assume the high post along with him. Maximianus, although possibly reluctant initially, took up his son's offer. He had abdicated less than voluntarily under Diocletian's scheme and now he was caught up in the fervor of Maxentius's drive to become sole ruler. In time, Maxentius met with failure after he lost several key battles to Constantine and Maximianus found himself in the awkward position of being an emperor with no rightful claim nor army willing to proceed with his agenda. Increasingly isolated, Constantine cornered him and he was either executed or committed suicide.

 

AE Antoninianus (Pre-Reform) 286--308 A.D.

Cyzicus ca. 286--299 A.D.

2.6 g., 20 mm.

Obv. IMP C MAXINIANVS PF AVG: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Rev. CONCORDIA MILITVM: Maximianus standing right, receiving Victory on a globe from Jupiter standing left

RIC vi 166c, Cohen 54

AE3 285--305, 306--

Siscia 308, and 310 A.D.

1.00 g., 15.5 mm. ca. 317--318 A.D.

(commemorative issued by Constantine the Great)

Obv. DIVO MAXIMIANO SEN FORT IMP: Laureate and veiled head right

Rev. REQVES OPTIMORVM MERITORVM: Maximianus seated left on curule chair, holding scepter and raising right hand

RIC 41. S 3652,Van Meter 61v.

AE Follis 286--305 A.D.

Cyzicus, Officina 5 (first reign)

28 mm.

Obv. IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PP AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI: Genius standing left, holding cornucopiae and pouring offering from patera

Van Meter 39

AE Follis (Post-Reform) 286--305 A.D.

Cyzicus

25 mm.

Obv. C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. GENIO AVGVSTI: Genius standing left, bearing cornucopiae and pouring from patera

Van Meter 38v.

AE Follis 286--305 A.D.

Aquilea, Officina 2

26 mm.

Obv. IMP MAXIMIANVS PF AVG: Laureate and draped bust right

Rev. SACRA MONET AVGG ET CAESS NOSTR: Moneta standing left, holding cornucopiae with left arm and scales in right hand, VI in right field, AQS in exergue

Van Meter 43

Roman Imperial Maximianus

AE Follis 286-310 A.D.

26 mm.

Obv. IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG

Laureate bust right

Rev. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI

Genius standing left, holding cornucopia and pouring from patera

Van Meter 39 var.

Roman Imperial Maximianus

AE Follis 286-310 A.D.

26 mm.

Lugdunum

Obv. IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG

Laureate head right

Rev. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI

Genius standing left, holding cornucopiae and pouring from patera

LA in exergue

Van Meter 39