Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XX 29-30 Oct 2020
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Maximian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 286-287. IMP C M AVR VAL MAXIMIANVS AVG, draped bust of Maximian to right, wearing lion skin headdress / IOVI CONSERVAT AVGG, Jupiter standing to left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left. RIC 494 (same dies) = Glendining sale 1929, Nordheim collection, 535 (same dies); C -; Depeyrot 2D/5; Calicó 4698 (this coin). 5.17g, 22mm, 5h.
Mint State. Extremely Rare; in exceptional condition for the issue.
This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (2002);
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex 'A European Nobleman' Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 24, 5 December 2002, lot 241;
Ex Ladislaus von Hoffmann (1927-2014) Collection, Sotheby's, 5 July 1995, lot 174.
Having been proclaimed Augustus in 286 by Diocletian, it is likely that this coin forms part an issue commemorating Maximian's reaching this high office that meant he was now co-emperor alongside Diocletian. More often associated with the coinage of Diocletian, the reverse type of this coin of Maximian portraying Jupiter holding a thunderbolt and sceptre can be seen to be a deliberate allusion to the cohesion and unity of the two Augusti, now ruling jointly, particularly when considered alongside the obverse imagery of Maximian wearing the lion-skin headdress of Hercules, the son of Jupiter. When set in the context of recent events this interpretation seems all the more compelling.
Having appointed Mausaeus Carausius to defend the Channel from attacks by Frankish and Saxon pirates, Carausius showed his gratitude toward Maximian by usurping power and declaring himself Augustus of Britain and northern Gaul. It was therefore now imperative that Maximian also had a title and position of equal status to confront Carausius on equal standing. Diocletian, having just started to bring some semblance of stability back to the empire after decades of turbulence, was determined that civil war should not break out again and by co-opting Maximian as his fellow Augustus he seemingly hoped that the unrest developing in the north of the empire would be quelled and his program of reform could continue uninterrupted.
Mint State. Extremely Rare; in exceptional condition for the issue.
This coin published in X. Calicó, Los Aureos Romanos (2002);
From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex 'A European Nobleman' Collection, Numismatica Ars Classica AG, 24, 5 December 2002, lot 241;
Ex Ladislaus von Hoffmann (1927-2014) Collection, Sotheby's, 5 July 1995, lot 174.
Having been proclaimed Augustus in 286 by Diocletian, it is likely that this coin forms part an issue commemorating Maximian's reaching this high office that meant he was now co-emperor alongside Diocletian. More often associated with the coinage of Diocletian, the reverse type of this coin of Maximian portraying Jupiter holding a thunderbolt and sceptre can be seen to be a deliberate allusion to the cohesion and unity of the two Augusti, now ruling jointly, particularly when considered alongside the obverse imagery of Maximian wearing the lion-skin headdress of Hercules, the son of Jupiter. When set in the context of recent events this interpretation seems all the more compelling.
Having appointed Mausaeus Carausius to defend the Channel from attacks by Frankish and Saxon pirates, Carausius showed his gratitude toward Maximian by usurping power and declaring himself Augustus of Britain and northern Gaul. It was therefore now imperative that Maximian also had a title and position of equal status to confront Carausius on equal standing. Diocletian, having just started to bring some semblance of stability back to the empire after decades of turbulence, was determined that civil war should not break out again and by co-opting Maximian as his fellow Augustus he seemingly hoped that the unrest developing in the north of the empire would be quelled and his program of reform could continue uninterrupted.