New book on DIOCLETIAN's coinage

"The aim of « Le Monnayage en argent de la réforme de Dioclétien (The Silver Coinage of Diocletian's Reform), 294-312 p. C." is to give an overview of one of the main aspects of this major episode in Roman imperial numismatics. The documentation considerably enriches our knowledge of an original and, in a way, "restored" coinage by the founder of the Tetrarchy. The detailed catalogue of coins issued in the various workshops represents, in terms of varieties described, more than three times the material hitherto (1048 varieties in total). The abundant illustrations make it easy to consult this work, which the author admits, was primarily designed as a research handbook."
The price is EUR 50,00 + shipping costs. The book will be available in a few days.

 

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I got the notice for this also and will be ordering it.

 

I've been interested in his coinage ever since I was able to stay in his retirement compound in Split, Croatia (a lovely place, by the way), but unfortunately I will have to wait for the English translation ....

 

Looks like it could be a seminal work on the topic. May pick up a copy.

 

don't hold your breath.

 

My copy has arrived and I thought that I would give you my initial impressions. I don;t own an argenteus but am hoping to educate myself on them enough such that when/if I get an opportunity and decide to jump I will not be jumping in the dark.

It is a hefty tome. For a paperback to come in at over 2.8 Kg, which is over 6 lbs. If you have an intention to read it for extended periods be prepared to put it down regularly to rest your arms.

I have not gone through the book in detail yet but have skimmed through the 770 pages.

Part I has a few chapters cover a range of topics:-

A list of the collections used in the research which seems to be a very wide selection of worldwide museums
The imperial titles in chronological order
Chronology of Mints and maps with locations
Types - Bust types, wreath tie variations, reverse types, obverse and reverse details per mint chronologically, mintmarks per mint chronologically
A breakdown of the number of coins sampled spread across the different mints etc.
A metrology per mint
Hoard details

Part II forms the majority of the book and takes the form of a mint by mint breakdown of the samples. A detailed introduction is given per mint and then each entry is given a corresponding RIC reference where it exists detailed by emperor, obverse legend, bust type, reverse legend, reverse type mintmark etc. and each coin from the sample is detailed by collection of origin with weight and die axis. This allows an estimation of relative scarcity by inference from the frequency of occurence within the sample.
This is followed by a bibliography
And finally 80 plates with lifesize images.

It is not the sort of book that I will use frequently but if I am tempted by an argenteus I will check it out here first.

I would expect this to be a much more regular use by a professional dealer or s specialist in this area of collecting.

For 50 Euros I think I will more than get my money;s worth out of it despite the fact that it isn't my collecting area.

That having been said I will probably need to strengthen my bookcase.

Martin

 

Thank you, @maridvnvm. That was a helpful review!