Aureus - Galerius Maximianus IOVI CONSERVATORI NK Y XC, Nicomedia

Galerius struck this aureus at Nicomedia during one of the most constitutionally chaotic moments in Roman history — the collapse of Diocletian's Tetrarchic system. By 307–308, the carefully engineered hierarchy of two Augusti and two Caesars had fractured into a scramble involving at least six simultaneous claimants. The Conference of Carnuntum in November 308 was convened specifically to resolve the crisis, with the retired Diocletian himself dragged back to mediate. Galerius emerged holding the senior Augustus position in the East, Nicomedia serving as his operational capital and primary mint throughout.