I have added yet more folles to my collection of Imperial Alexandrian coins. Three Genius coins but not a POPVLO ROMANI in sight. Maximinus II Follis Obv:- GAL VAL MAXIMINVS NOB CAES, Laureate head right Rev:- GENIO CAESARIS, Genius standing left Minted in Alexandria, (K | D / P). Group IV. December A.D. 308 - 310 Reference(s) – RIC Alexandria 99a Weight 7.43g. 23.83mm. 0 degrees Galerius Follis Obv:– IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, Laureate head right (parallel wreath ties (round ends)) Rev:– GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing left holding patera over lighted altar Minted in Alexandria (K | B / P // ALE). A.D. 310-311 Reference:– RIC VI Alexandria 107a (C) Weight 7.55g. 26.06mm. 0 degrees Maximinus II Follis Obv:– IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG, Laureate head right Rev:– GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius, naked but for chlamys fastened at his right shoulder and hanging from his left shoulder, standing facing, head left, wearing modius, holding head of Serapis, which faces him, in right hand and ornate cornucopia in left arm behind Minted in Alexandria (X / G // ALE). Minted in A.D. 312 Reference(s) – RIC VI Alexandria 149b Weight 4.53g. 22.72mm. 180 degrees
Maridvnvm, you always seem to find the finest examples of types. Have I asked you where you find your coins? I can't remember. I wouldn't want you to give away a special source. But are your purchases mainly from a local shop? Auction wins? eBay? Or all of the above?
Very nice coins Martin! I especially like the ornate cornucopiae from this mint... And great photography too! Here's one of mine from Alexandria...Paul
maridvnvm, Those are three handsome coins, especially the 1st one. The silver wash has turned a beautiful golden color highlighting the details on this near mint state coin . Do you specialize in coinage of Diocletian's currency reform? It's been a favorite era of mine for collecting & I've noticed a lot more collecting interest in general for these coins. For many years authors on Roman coinage have turned up their noses on coinage of this era but collectors haven't .
I, too, am partial to the Genio series. Historically, it's an interesting transition period. For LRBs, they have a nice, hefty feel. And because the coinage got debased so soon after their appearance, many disappeared from circulation quickly, leaving many beautiful examples available today at reasonable prices, as your Genio posts show so clearly. Here's one of the nicest one in my current collection. It's from Antioch. I think I paid around $30 for it. Unbelievable value: Maximinus II ("Daia") Caesar, A.D. 305-309 Filius Augustorum, A.D. 309-310 Augustus, A.D. 310-313 Bronze Nummus Antioch mint, A.D. 312 Obv: IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG Rev: GENIO AVGVSTI - Genius, modius on head, naked but for chlamys hanging from shoulder, holding head of Sol and cornucopiae ANT in exergue; [star] in left field, S in right RIC 164b 22mm, 4.7g.
@Al Kowsky I don't really specialise in this era but I do dabble in it occasionally when the mood takes me and I see something that takes my fancy. I seem more drawn to certain mints. The toning on that one is attractive and I have another from a different officina which looks good along side it. Sometimes a plain chocolate brown is attractive too.
I also have one from the Antioch mint but a different officina: Maximinus II Daza, AD 309-313, as Augustus. Roman Æ follis, 21.4 mm, 4.88 g, 12 h. Antioch, AD 312. Obv: IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS P F AVG, laureate head, right. Rev: GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, modius on head, naked but for chlamys over left shoulder, holding head of Sol and cornucopiae; *|Z //ANT. Refs: RIC 164b; Cohen 21; RCV 14840.
maridvnvm, You're right, the top coin looks like a sibling to the top coin in your 1st. post. I too enjoy the unblemished chocolate color of coins like your 2nd example.
gsimonel, You stole that coin for $30 . I love that portrait of high Asian style. The celators of that period were the portrait Picasso's of their time.
