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June 2017 Auction 9 Jun 2017
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EMPIRE, GOLD AUREUS OF DIOCLETIAN, Rome, ca. AD 287, 5.259g, 12h. Calicó 4509a. Lukanc 12 (this coin). Lightly toned with underlying luster. Perfectly centered and struck. With a powerful portrait of high style. Virtually as struck. Former Hispanic Society of America and Archer Milton Huntington (1870-1955) collections
One of the last pagan Roman emperors, Diocletian was the son of Jupiter, making him the last demi-god to rule Rome. He became, during his career, responsible for the deaths of several thousand Christians. He was also, weakened by illness, the only emperor to voluntarily abdicate the throne after his defeat at the hands of his nephew, Constantine, whom he had formerly exiled.
One of the last pagan Roman emperors, Diocletian was the son of Jupiter, making him the last demi-god to rule Rome. He became, during his career, responsible for the deaths of several thousand Christians. He was also, weakened by illness, the only emperor to voluntarily abdicate the throne after his defeat at the hands of his nephew, Constantine, whom he had formerly exiled.