Realistic follis portrait of Maximianus Herculeus

This coin arrived today in my mailbox and I would like to share it with you. It is a follis of Maximianus that was struck 307-308 during Maximianus’ second reign as Augustus, emerging from his politically pressured retirement.

I am fond of the coinage of the tetrarchy, I think because of the historical drama of this time period beginning 285 and culminating 313, in which more than a dozen Roman Augustii and Caesars struck coins for themselves and their wives, including various usurpers in different parts of the empire. The coins are very affordable, even in high grade, a diverse collection can be assembled with a limited budget. This economy mixed with the complex historical context makes the area extremely stimulating. Further, RIC VI which covers this period is in my opinion, one of the most readable, informative, and easily navigable references of all of the RIC volumes.

This coin struck me for two reasons beyond its relatively high grade. The reverse type QVIES AVG is not rare, but perhaps uncommon. This obverse demonstrates one of the most realistic portraits of Maximianus I have observed. The mint of Trier produced some of the most pleasing portraits, but this is among the finest. Not all of the coins from this mint are from skilled engravers, but many of the most realistic of this era come from this mint. This is one of them.

The engraving style and execution demonstrated on the coinage of this period is not usually described as great art, but some dies are remarkable. The engravers art of this era is nevertheless distinctive and interestingly complex in its mix of styles and intricate detail. Each mint has very recognizable attributes.

RIC 788
5.87g.

Ex HD Rauch, Feb 29, 2020
Ex NUMISMATIK LANZ MÜNCHEN, AUCTION 100, LOT 464, Nov 20, 2000

If you want to learn more about this area of numismatics, I highly recommend the educational site of @Valentinian (my mentor) http://augustuscoins.com/ed/

I’m re-learning about the time of the first and second tetrarchy so please post your images and comments.

 

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I agree, excellent portrait of Maximianus, Steve

Here's mine, same year,other mint:

 

This London mint follis dates from the period of retirement before he tried to com back. The obverse dative MAXIMIANO indicates it was issued in his honor rather tha by his authority. The PF is folowed by the S for senior which in this case is more 'retired' than 'more important'.

 

Wow, that follis is remarkable, and the portrait certainly the most realistic I've seen from this period. As you pointed out, the styles varied widely from mint to mint, some bordering on caricaturish. I don't have one from Trier, and even though I can't imagine they're all as nice as yours, I'll have to start looking out!

My only second reign issue is London, like Doug's.


First reign, circa 297, from Carthage.


And a typical fat head from Aquileia.

 

Very handsome example.

 

Wow, what a portrait

Here's an argentus from Trier and two follii from Carthage:

 

I have several Maximianus coins, but none with such a realistic portrait as yours @Fugio1. Here are a few examples from my collection

 

Fantastic coin and certainly more realistic portrait than many from that time period, here's mine from the same year.
Maximianus I. Herculius, 2nd Government 307-310 AD
Follis
Aquileia, 1st Officina, 307 AD
Vs .: IMP C MAXIMIANVS PF AVG, head with laurel wreath on the
reverse: CONSERV VRB SVAE / AQP, six columnar Temple with cult image of the Roma. Weight: 7.11 g

 

This is new information for me. I will need to research this. Thanks

 

Fugio 1, Congratulations on your score ! The coin appears to be in choice mint state with a beautifully modeled portrait . It's hard to say what Maximian really looked like since most of the sculptures of him are done in "oriental style". The only period marble bust I've seen of him that may be realistic is pictured below, & this sculpture might be "idealized" too. I believe this marble bust is in a museum in Toulouse, France.



I have a follis of Maximian that I bought many years ago from a Freeman & Sear auction pictured below. It is in the same style as the coins posted by Doug Smith & zumbly.

Maximian, circa AD 303, Londinium Mint, AE follis: 9.67 gm, 26 mm, 6 h.

While browsing thru old photos I found a very perplexing coin in the A.N.S. collection pictured below . I believe this coin has been misattributed by them as Maximian, when in fact it should be Maximinus II. CT members give your take on this coin.


Bronze AE1 of Maximian, Trier, AD 296 - AD 297, ID #1984.146.1276
9.26 gm, 26 mm, 6 h.

 

Al, of course. This should have been an easy attribution for them since Maximianus was never Caesar. This would actually be Galerius.

http://augustuscoins.com/ed/tetrarchy/distinguishing.html

 

This one just sold yesterday on eBay for $60. I bid but wasn't the lucky winner.

 

Great coin and a fantastic portrait. Here's a Maximianus from my collection...

 

Coins with "MAXIMIANVS" using the title NOB C or NOB CAES are from Galerius.

 

Doug is right (of course). For more about this, see my page on retirement issues:

http://augustuscoins.com/ed/tetrarchy/retirement.html

Here is my favorite portrait of Maximian:



London mint.
28 mm. 9.89 grams.
RIC VI London 23b "c. 303 onward"

 

I think I have already shown these before, not sure if I did and on which thread. Nothing rare or uncommon. (Got a new scale with 3 digits precision, so I am weighting all coins again)

According to Wikipedia, on March 1, 293 at Milan, Maximian appointed Constantius to the office of Caesar. On either the same day or a month later, Diocletian did the same for Galerius, thus establishing the "Tetrarchy", or "rule of four".

Guess that this Antoninianus was struck shortly after establishing the Tetrarchy,
Antoninianus, Antioch, 293 AD struck under the authority of Diocletian
21 mm, 3.820 g
Ref.: RIC V Diocletian 621

Ob.: IMP C MA MAXIMIANVS P F AVG Bust of Maximian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Rev.: CONCORDIA MILI-TVM Maximian, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding short scepter in r. hand and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter; Jupiter, standing left, holding long scepter; mint mark Z // XXI (7th Officina)

​

and

Æ3 Fraction Follis, Mysia, Cyzicus, 295 - 297 AD, struck under the authority of Diocletian
20 x 23 mm, 1.997 g
Ref.: RIC VI Cyzicus 15b, A;

Ob.: IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS P F AVG bust of Maximianus, radiate, cuirassed, right
Rev.: CONCORDIA MILITVM, Maximianus, draped, cuirassed, standing right, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter; Jupiter, standing l., holding scepter with l. hand; mintmark K A

​

 

When I collected this series years ago before the Internet age, the antoniniani of Diocletian and Maximianus were quite commom, even in high grade. Those of Galerius and Constantius were pretty hard to come by. Not sure if that is still the case.

 

Which Constantius ? Constantius Chlorus, Constantius II ?

 

@Fugio1 What a wonderful specimen. For tetrarchic folles, that portrait is truly spectacular! The coin also seems to be fully silvered. Well done!

 

Constantius Chlorus had ants minted in his name. Constantius II did not. Ants were discontinued c. 294, not long after Constantius became Caesar in 293, but long before Constantius II was on the scene.