This very common follis of Galerius from the Trier mint caught my eye in an Elsen sale earlier this year. RIC 652b (Trier) It took more than 3 months to reach me, but now that I have it in hand, I’m able to examine it in better detail. The obverse, although silvered, is pretty unexciting, struck from well-worn dies. The reverse though, is extraordinary with a style and execution which I have not seen before. Struck from new dies, and with a detailed ornamentation that I find difficult to explain. See the detail photos. To me, this is a thing of real beauty.
Great coins @Clavdivs and @ancientone. Unusual reverse legend on the Alexandrian coin. As common as the Genio type is, it's fun to find the special ones.
Is that "body-armor" he is wearing...those "anklets" look foreboding.... Somewhat like reptilian/crustacean....
GENIO POPVLI RI Maximinus II Daia 305-308 CE Folles AE30 Trier mint GENIO POPV-LI Genius-Serapis stndg RI Maximinus II Daia 305-308 CE AE20 GENIO POPVLI Genius stndg bust of Sol cornu star H RIC IV 164b RI Severus II 306-307 CE AE18 GENIO POPVLI Quarter Folles Siscia mint
What an unusual Genio! I see why it caught your eye. In a similar vein, here's a common Alexandrian coin with a lovely rendering of Tyche. I was struck by her graceful proportions and the level of detail of drapery-- unusual for later Alexandrian coins.
The Alexandrian...his curled lips and flared nostril(s) ...the anatomical treatment of Tyche....amazing..!
