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Quinarius Aureus - Diocletianus IOVI CONSERVAT AVG, Jupiter
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 284-294 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Gold Quinarius (25⁄4) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Jupiter standing facing left, his divine authority conveyed through the thunderbolt held aloft in his extended right hand and the long sceptre grasped vertically in his left hand. The god is depicted in the classical tradition, rendered in a bold, somewhat stylized Tetrarchic manner. The reverse legend encircles the field, invoking Jupiter as the divine protector of the emperor. The composition reflects the close theological association between Diocletian and Jupiter Optimus Maximus, central to Tetrarchic imperial ideology. |
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| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (284-294) |
| Additional information |
The quinarius aureus — half the weight of a standard aureus — was revived under Diocletian as part of broader monetary restructuring in the years before the better-documented reforms of 294 AD. Exactly why certain issues were struck at this denomination during 284–294 remains debated; some scholars tie them to specific donatives or military payments where fractional gold was administratively convenient rather than commercially circulated.
RIC V.2 151B is a scarce type. Most Diocletianic gold from this period entered the ground in hoards rather than wearing through daily use, which accounts for the survival of reasonably preserved examples despite low original mintage.