April 29th, 1672. Louis XIV of France invades the Netherlands The French had little trouble marching into the heart of the Dutch Republic, which began the Franco-Dutch war. It was fought to end Dutch competition with French trade and to extend Louis XIV’s empire. The war lasted until 1678, when the Treaty of Nijmegen was signed. The war lasted until 1678, when the Treaty of Nijmegen was signed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 1st, 305. Diocletian and Maximian abdicated in simultaneous ceremonies at Nicomedia and Milan Diocletian was responsible for the creation of the Tetrarchy in the Roman Empire. He was Augustus from 285 until he decided to abdicate, on May 1st, 305. When he abdicated, he forced Maximian, his co-ruler, to abdicate as well. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 3rd, 1270. Bela IV, king of Hungary, died Bela IV was king of Hungary from 1235 until his death and duke of Styria from 1254 to 1258. During his reign, Mongol invasions left three quarters of Hungary ruined. Because of his hard work in rebuilding Hungary, he is remembered by the Hungarians as the second founder of their country.
Doug scares the crap outta me!! ... anyway ... I have a gorgeous Diocletian and an okay Maximianus I absolutely "love" this coin (probably because both, dougsmit and David Sear, said that this was a great coin!!) ... it is definitely one of my favs ... DIOCLETIAN, Antoninianus 284-305 A.D. Diameter: 22 mm Weight: 3.81 grams Obverse: IMP DIOCLE TIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right Reverse: IOVI FV LGERATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head right, preparing to hurl thunderbolt; at feet to left, eagle standing left, head right; XXI r in exergue Reference: RIC V 168 var. (unlisted officina and with eagle) ... near XF, flan carck. RARE ... and this next coin cost $24 (delivered) => this may be one of my best thrifty purchases!!? Partly Silvered Maximianus Antoninianus 286-305 B.C. Diameter: 22 mm Weight: 3.61 grams Obverse: Radiate portrait right Reverse: Victory being handed to Maximianus by Jupiter, CONCORDIA MILITVM EF, E in midfield, XXI in exergue
The Diocletian really is something else. Gorgeous! I have yet to acquire a well-silvered follis, of any emperor. I have a few that have traces left, but nothing as dramatic as yours.
