235-238 AD AE Sestertius 22.7g MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM |
286-293 AD Pre-reform Antoninianus 3.5g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
293-305 AD AE Follis 9.5g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
293-305 AD Post-reform radiate 2.3g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
MAX
In response to an e-mail request I am posting this page on distinguishing coins of several easily confused emperors. What follows is not a 100% inclusive guide; there are several legend varieties not shown. It should, however, allow the separation of bronze coins of these rulers with some accuracy. The most important point here is that one must read the legends carefully since the difference between Maximinus and MaximiAnus is just one 'A'.
First we can eliminate from confusion any coins of Maximinus I who ruled half a century before the other 'Max' rulers. His coins will all be of the denominations of the early Empire. Bronze coins will have SC on the reverse. Note that the sestertius shown here (below left) is much thicker and heavier than the later folles of similar diameter. To make matters easier, Maximinus I is usually shown with a distinctive 'big chin' portrait quite unlike the stylized heads of the later period.
235-238 AD AE Sestertius 22.7g MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM |
286-293 AD Pre-reform Antoninianus 3.5g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
293-305 AD AE Follis 9.5g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
293-305 AD Post-reform radiate 2.3g IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
Selected by Diocletian to share the rule of the Empire, Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus (sometimes called Maximianus I) issued coins only in the rank of Augustus. His first issues (before the currency reform of c.293 AD) were silver washed antoniniani. He was the only Max ruler to issue antoniniani with the rank of Augustus. Maximianus was the only ruler with the name Marcus Aurelius so any Max coin bearing the abbreviation MA will belong to him. Not all coins, however, will bear the MA legends. After the currency reform, silverless 'post-reform' radiates replaced the antoniniani but the legend rules for separation remained the same.
The problem for collectors arose with the appointment of Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus as Caesar in 293 AD. Usually known as Galerius (Maximianus II would seem equally appropriate), a few antoniniani were issued before the currency reform but most coins seen will be post-reform folles and radiates. Unaware that historians would not choose to name him 'Maximianus II', Galerius issued many coins with no sign of GAL; Galerius was never spelled out on coins. When it appears (below far left), GAL combined with MaximiAnus, is a certain mark of coins of Galerius. Since Maximianus (I) never issued coins as Caesar, any issue with Maximianus NOB CAES will also belong to Galerius (below, second from left).
293-305 AD AE Follis 10.2g GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES |
293-305 AD AE Follis 8.4g MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES |
305-311 AD AE Follis 6.1g IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
305-311 AD AE Follis 7.9g GAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG |
When Maximianus and Diocletian retired in 306 AD, Galerius was promoted to Augustus. Most coins can still be distinguished by inclusion of GAL in the legend (above two right coins) but some precious metal issues, lacking GAL, will require other evidence to separate. Weight standards declined constantly during the period of Max rulers so coins can be dated with some accuracy by their weight. Some mints struck only for some rulers. The whole matter of separating Galerius from Maximianus was made more difficult when the old emperor came back for a second reign from 306-308 AD allowing a few coins of lighter standard to be produced in his name.
FIL AVGG 308-309 AD AE Follis 7.1g MAXIMINVS FIL AVGG |
309-313 AD AE Follis 5.8 g GAL VAL MAXIMINVS PF AVG |
309-313 AD AE Follis 4.5 g IMP MAXIMINVS PF AVG |
306-312 AD AE Follis 6.2g IMP C MAXENTIVS PF AVG |
Galerius adopted and appointed as Caesar Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximinus who is known to history as Maximinus II. Some, but not all, of his coins use GAL but the lack of the extra A in the name should allow accurate separation. Coins were issued as Caesar, Augustus and the unusual rank of Filius Augustorum (above left). Partial legend coins of this ruler can sometimes be recognized by their lighter weight standard. Weight is a better indicator of date than diameter since there is considerable difference in thickness shown in this period. This is illustrated by our example of Maxentius (son of Maximianus who made a bid for power from 306-312 AD) which is struck on a thin flan of appropriate weight even though it is the largest diameter (28mm) of all the folles shown here. The completely different spelling of his name makes coins of Maxentius easily separated from other 'Max' rulers.
To summarize the rules: (1) Coins of rulers named Maximinus are separate by the fifty years that separated the two. Denarii, sestertii, dupondii and asses will belong to Maximinus I while folles belong to Maximinus II. (2) Maximianus coins as Caesar must belong to Galerius but coins inscribed Maximianus Augustus could be Galerius or Maximianus. Most of these will be separated by inclusion of GAL (Galerius) or MA (Marcus Aurelius Maximianus). Post-reform coins inscribed simply MAXIMIANVS AVG will require reference to a catalog (RIC) to separate. (3) Coins of Maxentius will say 'Maxentius'.
This page was created in response to a request received by e-mail. If you have a question, suggestion or request, please write.
(c) 1998 Doug Smith
