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Roman Coins :
Emperor Diocletian : Bronze Antoninianus of Emperor Diocletian
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Bronze Antoninianus of Emperor Diocletian - C.0584
Origin: Minted in Cysicus
Circa: 294
AD
to 305
AD
Collection: Roman Coins
Medium: Bronze
Additional Information: Found in Jerusalem, Israel
$300.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Obverse: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG;
Radiate and Draped Bust of the Emperor Facing
Right
Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM; Diocletian,
Standing on the Left, Receiving Victory on a
Globe from Jupiter, Standing on the Right,
Holding a Sceptre
Born of humble origins Diocletian became one of
the most remarkable men of the Roman world.
He possessed the rare mixture of soldierly
courage and the diplomacy of a seasoned
senator. Nine years after he was proclaimed
emperor, he took the unprecedented step of
converting his regime into the Tetrarchy,
comprising two Augusti (himself and
Maximianus), and two Caesars (Constantius I and
Galerius). This extraordinary measure was
implemented in order to stabilize the empire,
and prevent the internecine troubles that had so
plagued the imperial throne. Diocletian's reforms
in provincial redistribution, military
reorganization and monetary changes (resulting
in a radical reform of the coinage), were far-
reaching and enlightened. It is not so surprising
that such a man should decide to relinquish his
title and seek quiet retirement at Split in modern
Croatia. Though the innovations of Diocletian
have passed with time, the senate-house he
reconstructed near the Roman Forum and his
Dalmatian villa can still be seen.
How many hands have touched a coin in your
pocket or purse? What eras and lands have the
coin traversed on its journey into our
possession? As we reach into our pockets to pull
out some change, we rarely hesitate to think of
who might have touched the coin before us, or
where the coin will venture to after it leaves our
hands. More than money, coins are a symbol of
the state that struck them, of a specific time and
location, whether contemporary currencies or
artifacts of a long forgotten empire. This
stunning hand-struck coin reveals an expertise
of craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail
that is often lacking in contemporary machine-
made currencies. This ancient coin is an intimate
memorial to Diocletian, passed from the hands
of civilization to civilization, from generation to
generation that still appears as vibrant today as
the day it was struck.
- (C.0584)
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