Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 310-311 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Nummus / Follis (1/4) |
| Currency | Argenteus, Reform of Diocletian (AD 293/301 – 310/324) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.44 g |
| Diameter | 24.25 mm |
| Thickness | 1.90 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC VI#207c, OCRE#ric.6.sis.207c |
| Obverse description | Head of Maximinus Daia, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
IMP MAXIMINVS P F AVG (Translation: Commander Maximinus, pious fortunate emperor) |
| Reverse description | Genius, wearing modius, nude, chlamys draped over left shoulder, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand. Crescent in left field, officina in right field. Mintmark in exergue. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
GENIO A-VGVSTI or GENIO AV-GVSTI (Translation: To the genius (guardian spirit) of the Emperor.) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
SIS Siscia, modern-day Sisak,Croatia |
| Mintage |
? - 1st officina (A in right field) - ? - 3rd officina (Γ in right field) - ? - 4th officina (Δ in right field) - ND (310-311) - 2nd officina (B in right field) - ND (310-311) - 5th officina (∈ in right field) - ND (310-311) - 6th officina (ς (digamma) in right field) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1004467490 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This nummus, struck 310-311 AD at the Siscia mint, belongs to Maximinus II Daia's tumultuous reign. As Caesar, then Augustus, in the East, Maximinus was a staunch pagan, often conflicting with Constantine and Licinius. The "GENIO AVGVSTI" reverse, depicting the Genius of the Emperor, symbolized divine spirit and imperial prosperity. This issue underscores Maximinus's assertion of legitimacy and adherence to traditional values amidst political and religious upheaval.
Artistry: The artistic execution exemplifies the Late Roman Imperial style, favoring hieratic frontality and imperial majesty over individualistic portraiture. While engravers are anonymous, Siscia maintained a distinctive output. The obverse features a stylized bust of Maximinus II. The reverse design, with Genius standing left, holding a patera and cornucopia, is rendered with robust, schematic detail. The crescent in the officina mark denotes a specific workshop, aiding the mint's organizational clarity.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan (6.44 grams, 24.25 millimeters), this nummus exhibits standard specifications. For grading, critical high-points on the obverse include Maximinus's hair, nose, and imperial regalia. On the reverse, the Genius's head, patera, and cornucopia are key areas to assess strike quality. A well-preserved example displays full, clear legends and crisp details on both sides, indicating a strong, centered strike and minimal die wear. Minor flan imperfections or areas of flatness are common for this bronze coinage.