There is a coin on another forum that has the bust of Diocletian facing right on the obverse. On the reverse there is a wreath with VOT XX FY. Its reference number is RIC VI #38 . Can someone take a moment to explain the lettering on the reverse. Do the "XX" refer to the 20th year of reign. Please be patient with me as Ancient coins are not my area of collecting. Thank you. tibor
VOT XX refers to vows taken for 20 years of reign. Usually such coins are minted about 10 years into the reign, when the initial vows for ten years were soluta-paid, and renewed--taken-suscepta for twenty. See this site for much more about vows: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/VOTA/ For vows from the time of Diocletian, see this related page: http://augustuscoins.com/ed/VOTA/tetrarchy.html
@Valentinian Thank you so much for the quick response. I did not realize that some Roman coins can be dated. Are there books or web sites that I can use to learn about dating Roman coins that would line up with C.E. dates ie. 138 A.D. for example. I am familiar with some provincial coins that were struck in Alexandria. Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thank you once again.
Many Roman coins can be dated to specific years, other just to the reign of the emperor depicted. There are many, many books out there to help you get started. Here's one that I like for all the general information that it provides: https://www.bookfinder.com/search/?ac=sl&st=sl&ref=bf_s2_a1_t1_1&qi=IVMOZd5MsTbl3CbWAkZ.PA0Zurw_1497963026_1:3:5&bq=author=david%20van%20meter&title=handbook%20of%20roman%20imperial%20coins%20a%20complete%20guide%20to%20the%20history%2C%20types%20and%20values%20of%20roman%20imperial%20coinage Another copy on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/362552603439 I have a web site that shows coins from my personal collection. It lists most of the different emperors and their reigns: http://feltemp.com/Emperors/Emperors_Page1.html
