Galerius Radiate fraction otd

[casata137ec]

It is not often that I have a coin that I think is actually pretty enough to be here among the other gorgeous offerings (other than the occasional oddball or wierd colored patina type), but I think I have one here! I do not particularlly collect coins of the era...I already have Maximianus represented in my collection, but this one called out to me! So without further ado...here is the convergence of a pretty coin and me actually being able to photograph it properly! Enjoy!

Chris

Alexandria mint, Galerius Radiate fraction, 305-306 A.D. AE, 20/21mm 2.93g, RIC VI Alexandria 59b
O: IMP C MAXIMIANVS PF AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
R: CONCORDIA MIL-ITVM, Prince standing right in military dress, receiving small Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, leaning on sceptre left, B in center field
Ex: ALE

CLICKABLE

[David Atherton]

Very impressive! Both the patina and portrait are very eye-catching.

[mix_val]

The detail is good too!

[Noah]

...really great detail...and a magnificently bold portrait!!

Best, Noah

[OWL365]

Nice tone and detail.
Mike

[Potator II]

I like the style and strenght of the portrait the most

Good catch
Potator

[Randygeki(h2)]

great one! its a very cool portrait

[Coinseum]

I really like the different hues & tones of the patina. Beautiful!

[curtislclay]

As I have informed Chris by PM, the coin is actually of Galerius as Augustus c. 305-6 AD, after the abdication of Maximianus Herculius.

[casata137ec]

As I have informed Chris by PM, the coin is actually of Galerius as Augustus c. 305-6 AD, after the abdication of Maximianus Herculius.

I misunderstood what Curtis was explaining to me and thought he meant it was Maximinus II...I was obviously wrong!!!

For those of you in my boat (Galerius? But it says IMP C MAXIMIANVS PF AVG...that should be Maximian...shouldn't it??), it seems that these guys had a complicated ruling relationship.  When Diocletian institued the Tetrarchy, Maximian was given the rule of the Western Empire which he ruled from 286-305. He was forced to abdicate (along with Diocletian) in 305, but somehow (I am sure if I read further it would be explained)...he de-abdicated himself in 306 to rule with his boy Maxentius until 308. He was once again forced to give up the purple, but I guess he couldnt sit still because in 310 he made one last play and got his butt kicked by Constantine I and was "forced to commit suicide".

The moral of the story: make sure of the dates when you post a coin...even if the legends work out! Thanks again Curtis!

Chris

[dougsmit]

This is the price we pay for a decision made by historians long ago that Galerius would be called Galerius instead of Maximianus II.  I tried to shed light for beginners on this a dozen years ago but my page would not have saved the day on this coin:
http://dougsmith.ancients.info/max.html

[casata137ec]

Thanks, Doug. Interesting read. The die cutters must have had a devil of a time trying to keep up!

Chris