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Nummus

Nummus (Follis) of the Tetrarchy A.D. 293 - 306

In 293, Diocletian introduced a new larger denomination with a laureate portrait to replace the antoninianus (or aurelianianus). Diocletian's new denomination also had a copper core, and a 5% silver plate, but was c. 28 - 32 mm diameter, on a consistent weight standard of 10.75 grams. Today Diocletian's denomination is commonly called a follis (plural: folles), but according to Kenneth Harl, the denomination should be called a nummus (plural: nummi). The follis was initially tariffed at 5 denarii communes (the same as the radiates it replaced), but was later devalued to 12.5 d.c. and then to 25 d.c. Smaller fraction were struck with a radiate portrait, called "post-reform radiates." On the tetrarchic folles, portraits of the various emperors were highly stylized and usually indistinguishable. Often the emperor depicted can only be determined by the obverse legend. The most common reverse type had the legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, and depicted the Genius (spirit) of the Roman people standing making a sacrifice. In 301, the western mints struck a common type with the legend Sacra Moneta, and depicting Moneta standing holding scales and a cornucopia. The large folles of the Tetrarchy fell out of circulation in 306 when weight standards were reduced.

Nummus

Nummi (Follis) of the Tetrarchy A.D. 293 - 306

In 293, Diocletian introduced a new larger denomination with a laureate portrait to replace the antoninianus (or aurelianianus). Diocletian's new denomination also had a copper core, and a 5% silver plate, but was c. 28 - 32 mm diameter, on a consistent weight standard of 10.75 grams. Today Diocletian's denomination is commonly called a follis (plural: folles), but according to Kenneth Harl, the denomination should be called a nummus (plural: nummi). The follis was initially tariffed at 5 denarii communes (the same as the radiates it replaced), but was later devalued to 12.5 d.c. and then to 25 d.c. Smaller fraction were struck with a radiate portrait, called "post-reform radiates." On the tetrarchic folles, portraits of the various emperors were highly stylized and usually indistinguishable. Often the emperor depicted can only be determined by the obverse legend. The most common reverse type had the legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, and depicted the Genius (spirit) of the Roman people standing making a sacrifice. In 301, the western mints struck a common type with the legend Sacra Moneta, and depicting Moneta standing holding scales and a cornucopia. The large folles of the Tetrarchy fell out of circulation in 306 when weight standards were reduced.

Nummi of the Civil War and Constantine Dynasty

In 307, Constantine introduced a reduced size and weight silver plated follis (nummis), and over the fourth and fifth centuries the nummi continually reduced and also debased until the silver plating disappeared. Different denominations were issued but we often do not know what they were called by the Romans and often they may have actually been the same denomination, just again reduced.