Watch List notes:

Martinian, usurper, 324. Follis (Bronze, 21 mm, 2.40 g, 12 h), Nicomedia. D N M MARTINIANVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Martinian to right. Rev. IOVI CONS-ERVATORI / X / IIΓ // SMNΔ Jupiter standing front, head to left, holding Victory on globe in his right hand and long eagle-tipped scepter in his left; at his feet to left, eagle standing left, head right, holding wreath in his beak; to right, bound captive seated right, his head turned back. RIC 45. Very rare. An unusually attractive example with a sharp and clear portrait. Somewhat rough, otherwise, good very fine.


Martinian was Licinius' magister officiorum whom he appointed to co-Augustus after his defeat against Constantine I in the Battle of Adrianople on 3 July 324. Martinian's main task was to prevent Constantine from crossing the Hellespont, but Constantine crossed the Bosporus instead and defeated Licinius once again in the Battle of Chrysopolis on 18 September 324. Both Licinius and Martinian were captured in the aftermath of the defeat and executed the year thereafter.