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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Roman Coins| ▸ |The Tetrarchy| ▸ |Diocletian||View Options:   | | | Caius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus was a man of humble birth who rose through the Roman military ranks on pure talent. Becoming emperor after the assassination of Carinus, Diocletian introduced many reforms that prolonged the life of the Empire, which was on the verge of total collapse before his reign. These reforms, however, eliminated most personal freedoms and turned much of the population into hereditary serfs. Diocletian was the first Roman emperor to voluntarily abdicate. He lived out his retirement in his palace on the Dalmatian coast, tending his vegetable gardens. His palace went on to become the core of the modern day city of Split. |
In 301 A.D., Diocletian issued his Edict on Maximum Prices in an attempt to curb inflation.RB17186. Billon follis (large), RIC VI 113a, Bastien XI 338, gVF, weight 10.983 g, maximum diameter 26.9 mm, die axis 0o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 301 - 303 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust left; reverse GENIO POPVLI ROMANI (to the guardian spirit of the Roman People), Genius, naked but for chlamys, kalathos on head, standing left, pouring libations from patera over altar, cornucopia in left hand, B right, PLC in exergue; SOLD
In 291, Diocletian signed peace treaties with the kingdoms of Aksum and Nubia.SH58686. Billon antoninianus, Bastien 367 (2 examples cited); Cohen VI 368; RIC V, Part 2, 67; SRCV IV 12687, aEF, pitting, weight 3.269 g, maximum diameter 21.5 mm, die axis 0o, 2nd officina, Lugdunum mint, emission 7, spring 290 - 291 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust left, spear over shoulder in right, shield in left; reverse PAX AVGG (the peace of the two emperors), Pax standing left, Victory on globe in right hand, transverse long scepter in left; a scarcer bust type for Diocletian; scarce; SOLD
Juno was the chief female divinity in the Roman pantheon. She was the wife of Jupiter and a member of the Capitoline Triad. She had many different aspects, such as Juno Regina, Juno Sospita, and Juno Lucina, but here she is depicted as Juno Moneta, holding the scales symbolic of equity and a cornucopia indicating plenty. This surname was given to Juno because she counseled the Romans to undertake only just wars in which case she promised that they would never be in want of money. The first mint in Rome was within the temple of Juno Moneta. In 301 A.D., Diocletian issued his Edict on Maximum Prices in an attempt to curb inflation.RB90679. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Ticinum 43a (variety with smaller head and divided reverse legend), Cohen VI 101, SRCV IV 12772, Choice EF, excellent portrait, centering, strike and surfaces, weight 11.063 g, maximum diameter 27.6 mm, die axis 0o, 2nd officina, Ticinum (Pavia, Italy) mint, c. 300 - 303 A.D.; obverse IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right; reverse SAC MON VRB AVGG - ET CAESS NN, Moneta standing slightly left, head left, scales in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, ST• in exergue; SOLD
Quies is the personification of rest and retirement. This coin honors Emperor Diocletian after his abdication in 305 A.D. The obverse dedicates the coin, to our lord Diocletian the happy senior emperor. The reverse translates, By the providence of the gods, the restful retirement of the Emperors.RT84429. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Ticinum 56a; Cohen VI 422; SRCV IV 3543 var. (obverse inscription); Hunter V 30 (2nd officina), Choice VF, interesting obverse legend error, nice portrait, well centered, small deposits, light corrosion, weight 11.161 g, maximum diameter 28.7 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd officina, Ticinum (Pavia, Italy) mint, c. 305 - 307 A.D.; obverse D N DIOCLETIANO BAEATISSIMO SEN AVG, laureate bust right, wearing imperial mantle, olive branch in right hand, mappa in left hand; reverse PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES AVGG, Providentia on left standing right, extending right hand to Quies, who is standing left with branch in right and leaning on scepter in left, pellet right, T T exergue; scarce; SOLD
The first of Herakles' twelve labors, set by his cousin King Eurystheus, was to slay the Nemean lion and bring back its skin. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than swords and could cut through any armor. Herakles stunned the beast with his club and, using his immense strength, strangled it to death. During the fight, the lion bit off one of his fingers. After slaying the lion, he tried to skin it with a knife but failed. Wise Athena, noticing the hero's plight, told him to use one of the lion's own claws to skin the pelt.RA95395. Billon antoninianus, RIC V-2 104, SRCV IV 12728, Cohen VI 524, Hunter IV - (p. clxxvii), VF, full borders, slight porosity, weight 3.776 g, maximum diameter 23.5 mm, die axis 180o, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, 287 - 289 A.D.; obverse IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse VIRTVTI AVGG, Hercules squatting slightly right, strangling the Nemean lion, club at his feet on far side to left; from the Errett Bishop Collection; SOLD
Juno was the chief female divinity in the Roman pantheon. She was the wife of Jupiter and a member of the Capitoline Triad. She had many different aspects, such as Juno Regina, Juno Sospita, and Juno Lucina, but here she is depicted as Juno Moneta, holding the scales symbolic of equity and a cornucopia indicating plenty. This surname was given to Juno because she counseled the Romans to undertake only just wars in which case she promised that they would never be in want of money. The first mint in Rome was within the temple of Juno Moneta.RB04173. Billon follis (large), Hunter V 28 (also 2nd officina), RIC VI Ticinum 47a, Cohen VI 101, SRCV IV 12772, superb EF, chocolate patina, superb!, weight 11.060 g, maximum diameter 27.0 mm, die axis 0o, 2nd officina, Ticinum (Pavia, Italy) mint, 304 - 305 A.D.; obverse IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right; reverse SACRA MONET AVGG ET CAESS NOSTR (the sacred money of our two emperors and two princes), Moneta standing slightly left, head left, scales in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, star right, ST in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
In 303, Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding the legal rights of Christians and demanding that they comply with traditional religious practices. About 3,000 Christians died in the persecutions, many more were imprisoned and tortured, but most Christians avoided punishment.RB04174. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Roma 105a, EF, weight 9.51 g, maximum diameter 27.6 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 302 - 303 A.D.; obverse IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right; reverse SAC MON VRB AVGG ET CAESS NN, Aequitas standing slightly left, head left, scales in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, * right, RP in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
When Diocletian split Pannonia into four provinces, Siscia became the capital of Pannonia Savia. It contained the mint and treasury, and was the station of the small fleet kept on the Savus. Siscia maintained its importance until Sirmium began to rise, for in proportion as Sirmium rose, Siscia declined.RB04175. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Siscia 134a, Superb near UNC, unmatched sharp details, weight 9.41 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 0o, Siscia (Sisak, Croatia) mint, 301 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right; reverse SACRA MON VRB AVGG ET CAESS NOSTR, Aequitas standing slightly left, head left, scales in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, * left, Γ right, *SIS in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
In Roman religion, every man has a genius, a presiding spirit. In De Die Natali, Censorinus says, from the moment we are born, we live under the guard and tutelage of Genius. Cities, organizations, and peoples also had a genius. On coins, we find inscriptions to the Genius of the Army, of the Senate, of the Emperor, etc. The legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI dedicates this coin to the Genius of the Roman People. Genius' image is of a man with a cloak half covering the shoulders leaving the rest of his body naked, holding a cornucopia in one hand, and a simpulum or a patera in the other.RB04179. Billon follis (large), Hunter V 72 (also 4th officina, smaller head), RIC VI Heraclea 17a, SRCV IV 12787, Cohen VI 106, EF, bold full circle strike on both obverse and reverse, smooth glossy black patina, weight 10.7 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 180o, 4th officina, Heraclea (Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) mint, 296 - 297 A.D.; obverse IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right, smaller head; reverse GENIO POPVLI ROMANI (to the guardian spirit of the Roman People), Genius standing slightly left, head left, nude but for chlamys over shoulders and left arm, kalathos on head, pouring libations from patera in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, HTΔ in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
Of humble birth, Diocletian rose through the military ranks on pure talent. He introduced many reforms that prolonged the life of the Empire, which was on the verge of total collapse before his reign. These reforms, however, eliminated most personal freedoms and turned much of population into hereditary serfs.RB04170. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Carthago 31a, Hunter V 64, SRCV IV 12828, Cohen VI 438, Choice EF, excellent centering and strike, traces of silvering, ragged edge, weight 9.91 g, maximum diameter 28.2 mm, die axis 180o, Carthage (near Tunis, Tunisia) mint, 299 - 303 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, head laureate right, large head; reverse SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART (Blessed Carthage, the Salvation of the two Augusti and two Caesars), Carthago standing facing, holding up fruits in both hands, A in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
In 303, Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius issued a series of edicts rescinding the legal rights of Christians and demanding that they comply with traditional religious practices. About 3,000 Christians died in the persecutions, many more were imprisoned and tortured, but most Christians avoided punishment.RB04171. Billon follis (large), RIC VI Carthago 31a, Hunter V 64, SRCV IV 12828, Cohen VI 438, Superb EF, full border centering, bold strike, attractive style, nice green patina, weight 11.100 g, maximum diameter 29.5 mm, die axis 0o, Carthage (near Tunis, Tunisia) mint, 299 - 303 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right, large head; reverse SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART (Blessed Carthage, the Salvation of the two Augusti and two Caesars), Carthago standing facing, holding up fruits in both hands, A in exergue; from the Aiello Collection; SOLD
In 293, Diocletian's Palace was built on a small bay on the Dalmatian coast, four miles from Salona, today's Split, Croatia. RB11079. Billon antoninianus, Hunter IV 63 (also 5th officina), RIC V-2 306, Cohen VI 33, SRCV IV 12635, Choice EF, full silvering, nice strike with great centering, weight 4.583 g, maximum diameter 21.4 mm, die axis 0o, 5th officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 284 - 294 A.D.; obverse IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse CONCORDIA MILITVM (harmony with the soldiers), Emperor (on left) and Jupiter standing confronted, Emperor in military garb, holding short scepter, Jupiter nude but for paludamentum on shoulders presenting Victory on a globe, leaning on long scepter in left hand, E in center, XXI in exergue; SOLD
In Roman religion, every man has a genius, a presiding spirit. In De Die Natali, Censorinus says, from the moment we are born, we live under the guard and tutelage of Genius. Cities, organizations, and peoples also had a genius. On coins, we find inscriptions to the Genius of the Army, of the Senate, of the Emperor, etc. The legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI dedicates this coin to the Genius of the Roman People. Genius' image is of a man with a cloak half covering the shoulders leaving the rest of his body naked, holding a cornucopia in one hand, and a simpulum or a patera in the other.RB72653. Billon follis (large), Hunter V 111 (also 3rd officina), RIC VI Alexandria 30a, Cohen VI 101, SRCV IV 12803, Choice gVF, full circles strike, some silvering remains, weight 11.794 g, maximum diameter 28.0 mm, die axis 180o, 3rd officina, Alexandria mint, c. 300 A.D.; obverse IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate head right; reverse GENIO POPVLI ROMANI (to the guardian spirit of the Roman People), Genius standing left, kalathos on head, nude but for cloak over shoulders and left arm, pouring libations from patera in right hand, cornucopia in left hand, XXI (mark of value, 20 denarii communes = 1 follis) lower left, Γ (3rd officina) right, ALE (Alexandria) in exergue; ex Romanorum; SOLD
In late summer 285, Diocletian defended the Danube against Sarmatian raids and transferred his capital to Nicomedia (Turkey).RA71713. Billon antoninianus, RIC V-2 323, SRCV IV 12654, Cohen VI 146 corr. (laureate), Hunter IV 69 var. (1st officina), Choice aEF, weight 3.585 g, maximum diameter 23.6 mm, die axis 180o, 4th officina, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 285 A.D.; obverse IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter standing right, chlamys over shoulders, globe in right hand, long scepter in left hand, facing Hercules standing left, nude, offering Victory on globe and holding wreath in right hand, club and Nemean lion's skin in left, Δ in center, XXI• in exergue; SOLD
RT85652. Bronze denarius communis, RIC VI p. 283, 27a (R2), Cohen VI 547, SRCV IV 12849, gF, well centered, a little rough, edge cracks, weight 1.422 g, maximum diameter 16.7 mm, die axis 0o, Ticinum (Pavia, Italy) mint, 294 - 295 A.D.; obverse DIOCLETI-ANVS AVG, laureate head right ; reverse VTILITAS PVBLICA, Utilitas standing facing, head left, hands in drapery; very rare denomination, reverse type and coin; SOLD
Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 May 305 A.D.
In 291, Diocletian signed peace treaties with the kingdoms of Aksum and Nubia.RA85655. Billon antoninianus, Bastien Lyon p. 172, 322 (9 spec.); Hunter IV 34; RIC V-2 28; Cohen VI 151; SRCV IV 12655 var. (eagle tipped scepter vice globe), Choice gVF, well centered and struck, attractive portrait, edge crack, earthen deposits, some light very corrosion, weight 3.679 g, maximum diameter 22.5 mm, die axis 45o, 1st officina, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, emission 7, spring 290 - 291 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate bust left, wearing imperial mantle, globe in right hand; reverse IOVI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, victory on globe in right hand, leaning on long scepter in left hand, eagle at feet left, A in exergue; this type of consular bust is rare for Diocletian; very rare; SOLD
In 290, Diocletian and Maximian met in Milan, on the five-year anniversary of their rule, to discuss politics and war. Rome had become only the ceremonial capital of the Empire.RB64528. Billon antoninianus, RIC V-2 27; Cohen 161; Bastien VII 310 (3 examples cited), VF, weight 4.018 g, maximum diameter 22.4 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, emission 7, spring 290 - 291A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS P AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, spear over shoulder in right, shield in left; reverse IOVI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, nude but for chlamys over shoulders, Victory on globe in right hand, long scepter vertical behind in left, eagle at feet, P in exergue; SOLD
This reverse legend occurs only on coins of Diocletian, Maximian, and Claudius Gothicus.RA87274. Billon antoninianus, RIC V-2 167, Hunter IV 26, SRCV IV 12673, Cohen VI 289, F, excellent centering on a broad flan, traces of silvering, strike weak/flat in centers, small green encrustations, weight 3.758 g, maximum diameter 24.4 mm, die axis 0o, 2nd officina, Rome mint, c. 286 A.D.; obverse IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse IOVI FVLGERATORI (to Jupiter the Thunderer), Jupiter standing facing, head right, naked but for cloak fluttering over left arm, right foot drawn back in act to hurl thunderbolt, which is raised up in right hand; eagle at feet on left, standing left, head right; XXIB in exergue; SOLD
Diocletian, 20 November 284 - 1 May 305 A.D.
Quies is the personification of rest and retirement. This coin honors the Senior Emperors Diocletian and Maximian after their abdication in 305 A.D. The obverse dedicates the coin, to our lord Maximian the happy senior emperor. The reverse translates, By the providence of the gods, the restful retirement of the Emperors.RT112569. Billon follis (large), Hunter V p. 2, 13; RIC VI Treveri p. 208, 676a; Cohen VI p. 462, 426; SRCV IV p. 121, 12928, Choice gVF, nice portrait, excellent patina, nice brown tone, flow lines, weight 9.422 g, maximum diameter 27.1 mm, die axis 0o, 1st officina, Treveri (Trier, Germany) mint, 305 - 307 A.D.; obverse D N DIOCLETIANO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG, laureate bust right, wearing imperial mantle, olive branch in right hand, mappa in left hand; reverse PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES AVGG, Providentia on left standing right, extending right hand to Quies, who is standing left with branch downward in right hand and leaning on scepter in left hand, S - F (controls) in outer fields, PTR in exergue; from the Collection of Dr. Jüregen Buschek; SOLD
Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. It was said to have been founded by Pelasgians from Thessaly, according to tradition at the coming of the Argonauts; later, allegedly in 756 B.C., it received many colonists from Miletus. Owing to its advantageous position it speedily acquired commercial importance, and the gold staters of Cyzicus were a staple currency in the ancient world till they were superseded by those of Philip of Macedon. The site of Cyzicus, located on the Erdek and Bandirma roads, is protected by Turkey's Ministry of Culture.RT112725. Bronze post-reform radiate, RIC VI 15a; SRCV IV 12834; Cohen VI 34; Hunter V p. 12, 82 (var. also draped), Choice EF, well centered, flow lines, weight 2.623 g, maximum diameter 22.0 mm, die axis 210o, 3rd officina Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 295 - 299 A.D.; obverse IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front; reverse CONCORDIA MILITVM (harmony with the soldiers), Diocletian (on left) and Jupiter standing confronted, Diocletian standing right, laureate and wearing military garb, parazonium in left hand, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter with right hand, Jupiter standing left, nude but for paludamentum on left shoulder, leaning on long scepter in left hand, Victory in Jupiter's right hand is offering wreath to Diocletian and holding palm frond over shoulder, KΓ low in center; SOLD
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