...of the Tetrarchy It is of course impossible to complete an ancient coin collection. We all know that factoid. I did however complete (for now...) my Diocletian tetrarchy set with this lovely specimen: Diocletian. AD 284-305. Æ Follis (28mm, 10.45 g, 6h). Ticinum mint, 1st officina. Struck circa AD 298-299. Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; * PT•. RIC VI 33a Star of Bethlehem in the left reverse field? I kid, I kid, the other thing we know about Diocletian is that he wasn't pro-Christian. He also may have not understood that minting amazing looking new coins, would not only solve the problem of idle metal in storehouses but also increase inflation out of control due to the increased circulation of total coins. "At any rate, the received wisdom is that, overall, the overwhelming/unprecedented increase in the money supply (especially ‘silver’/bronze issues) in the reign of Diocletian, eventually brought about pronounced price increases" (Schwartz, 1973; Duncan-Jones, 1982; Harl, 1996). But, this is not the full story; though the second part of it, is perhaps not widely known or recognized for its inflationary impact: In 301, Diocletian apparently issued a Currency Edict, effective September 1st, doubling the face value of the silver and cop- per issues (Erim et al., 1971; Whittaker, 1980; Bagnall, 1985; Lo Cascio, 1996; Rathebone, 1996; Harl, 1996). He did however apply this Modern Monetary Theory with a good heart, as he was a soldier and knows they should not be paying a year's pay for a cloak, leave that for the Pentagon! "Perhaps he hoped to raise the purchasing capacity of his (military and administrative) staff or make the possession of these coins more attractive and influence the ‘unfreezing’ of the out- standing precious metal (gold) that was held in private stores." Quotes are from Another View on an Old Inflation: Environment and Policies in the Roman ... - Prodromos-Ioannis Prodromidis - Google Books Let's see some Diocletian!
Congrats! I recently completed my Roman Republican Bes collection - the fact that the denomination was issued just once helped ATB, Aidan.
if you are talking about the Edict of Prices, you have to post some of his "sacred money" Diocletian A.D. 303- 305 26x28mm 8.3g IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG; laureate head right. SAC MON VRB AVGG ET CAESS N N; Moneta standing left with scales & cornucopiae. In ex. R crescent P RIC VI Rome 111a
I started another thread so as not to distract from this, but we seem to have succeeded in doing that anyway https://www.cointalk.com/threads/complete-bes-collection-d.384753/ ATB, Aidan.
Shogun, Congrats on scoring a very handsome nummus of Diocletian ! I've never completed any collecting goal, that's what keeps me going . Pictured below are a few Diocletian nummi from my collection. Diocletian, Struck AD 303-305, London Mint. Billon Nummus: 10.17 gm, 28 mm, 6 h. RIC 28a: C&T 3.01.005
With Diocles (Diocletian after he became emperor) the cool thing is that he became a gardener in his retirement... Here's a coin of the period - post abdication follis which calls upon "The Providence of the Gods." As you probably know Diocletian planted cabbages with his own hands at Split. "If you could show the cabbage that I planted with my own hands to your emperor, he definitely wouldn't dare suggest that I replace the peace and happiness of this place with the storms of a never-satisfied greed." A quote aimed at the restlessness of Maximian Herculis to re-assume the Imperial power. Diocletian (A.D. 284-305) AE Follis Weight: 6.90 grams Diameter: 23 mm Mint: Follis struck at Alexandria (ALE Mintmark) between 308 and 310, after his abdication. Obverse: DN DIOCLETIANO BAEATISS, laurel-wreathed bust right wearing mantle, holding olive branch and holding mappa in the other hand. Reverse: PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, Providentia standing right, extending right hand to Quies, standing left, holding branch and sceptre. Reference: Sear 12922, RIC VI Alexandria 80 corr.
Everyone retires at some point. Some survive the event to enjoy peace and happiness. Others consider themselves failures because they only value greed and power. Diocletian (BEATISS - is that a cabbage plant?): Maximianus (2nd reign - 307):
