I am announcing a web page on the coins of Diocletian: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/tetrarchy/DiocletianCoins.html Diocletian, 284-305, had a large and lasting impact on the course of the Roman empire. His coins would make a worthy sub-collection. The page discusses the events that show in the coinage. For example, Event 6) Trier (and only Trier) minted FORTVNA REDVCI types for the safe returns of emperors from their travels. Diocletian IMP DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG FORTVNAE REDVCI AVGG NN Fortuna seated left, holding rudder on globe and cornucopia * TR RIC Trier 230a "c. 298-9." Sear 12755. Failmezger 4. According to RIC, the first issue (distinguished by this mintmark TR, as opposed to BTR or ATR) refers to "Constantius' successful Rhenish campaigns" and possibly the conclusion of his British campaign in 296-297, and "Heraclius' [Maximian's] African campaign (followed by his visit to Rome)" which followed his return from the Rhine (on his way to Africa). Again, here is the link: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/tetrarchy/DiocletianCoins.html
Helpful webpage @Valentinian! Thanks for the research and time you invested! This is unequivocally my best Diocletian: Diocletian, 284-305 AD; Antoninianus, billon. Cyzicus, struck 293-294 AD Obv.: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG; radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. Rev.: CONCORDIA MILITVM; emperor standing right, holding parazonium, receiving Victory from Jupiter, standing left, holding sceptre; gamma in lower field; XXI in exergue. Diam.: 21.9 mm. Weight: 3.99 gr. Attrib.: RIC V P2, 306. Cohen 33. Sear vol. 4, 12635. Notes: EF. Darkly toned silvering.
I don't have any Diocletian for now. Certainly in my top 3 future buys. Thanks for sharing. I like the site.
Impressive pages, @Valentinian! I'm especially amazed at the long list of antoninianus/aurelianus types you have, and envious of your As. Because Diocletian is such a pivotal figure, both historically and numismatically, I've ended up with a lot of his coins. Here are some of my favourites. As you note, if the reverse legend ends in AVG, there's a possibility the coin dates from Diocletian's sole reign, before the elevation of Maximianus in 285. According to RIC, there aren't many that are dateable to 284 - only those from Antioch and Tripolis. (Which makes sense, since it was in the east where he was first proclaimed emperor.) I've tried to get as many of these as I can, here's my favourite, from Antioch: VICTORIA AVG (This type with "AVG" rather than "AVGG" is quite rare.) Another early issue I have is in the rare quinarius denomination: Rome mint, VICTORIA AVG (the same type appears with AVGG), 1.83g. Another favourite is this issue by Carausius at the "C" mint: The coinage reform that resulted in the follis is so numismatically important I've tried to get as many first issues as I can. For some mints they're very hard to come by. Here are a few, from Ticinum, Alexandria, and Heraclea respectively: As Warren notes, fractions were also issued along with the reform that included the follis. Here's the smallest one, which probably had the value of a denarius communis: Ticinum, VTILITAS PVBLICA, 1.42g 17mm. Shortly after the first issue folles, Domitius Domitianus took over in Alexandria. Here's his issue for Diocletian (ex Dattari), indicated by the presence of the eagle at Genius's feet: My favourite Diocletian tet is this year 10 Harpokrates, rated R5 by Emmett: I have one more image slot remaining, which I'll fill with my Rome abdication follis: As you can see, I really love Diocletian's coinage!
@Severus Alexander , that is an excellent group you have. I'm pleased to see someone has collected Diocletian. You have a keen eye for good and interesting coins.
Excellent page, thanks. Might be interesting to have a section on the coins Carausius issued in the name of Diocletian and Maximian. Unfortunately I only have two Maximian coins in this series and no Diocletian so far. I have been considering expanding to other mints than London for the first Tetrarchy, and your page has pushed me a little further in that direction.
Here's a good one (at least to me) that I have...and a bit of a backdrop Originally known as 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.
