Acquisition number: 1982.01
Other images
Obv.: Head of Maxentius, laureate, r. IMP(erator) C(aesar) MAXENTIVS P(ublii) F(ilius) AVG(ustus).
Rev.: Roma seated l. on shield in tetrastyle temple, handing globe with r. hand to Maxentius who is in military dress. Both hold sceptres. Between them, on ground, a captive. Victories as acroteria (ornaments on angle of a pediment); wolf and twins in pediment. CONSERV(ator) VRB(is) SVAE. In exergue, mint mark A Q P.
Title: Billon follis of Maxentius - 1982.01
Acquisition number: 1982.01
Culture or period: Roman Imperial
Date: AD 309-310
Material: Metal - Bronze
Object type: Coins - Roman
Dimensions: 24mm (w)
Origin region or location: Italy
Origin city: Aquileia
Display case or on loan: 7
Keywords: Coin, follis, Roman, Imperial, Maxentius, Roma
Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 14992; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London, Spink, 1923-1994) VI p.325, 113.
1982.01
Billon follis of Maxentius
7.12 g. AD 309-310
Obv.: Head of Maxentius, laureate, r. IMP(erator) C(aesar) MAXENTIVS P(ublii) F(ilius) AVG(ustus).
Rev.: Roma seated l. on shield in tetrastyle temple, handing globe with r. hand to Maxentius who is in military dress. Both hold sceptres. Between them, on ground, a captive. Victories as acroteria (ornaments on angle of a pediment); wolf and twins in pediment. CONSERV(ator) VRB(is) SVAE. In exergue, mint mark A Q P.
Maxentius is hailed as the ‘saviour of his city’ (Rome). It was the Praetorian Guard who proclaimed him emperor in AD 306. He received the title ‘Augustus’ in AD 307. His whole reign was disturbed by wars and other claimants to power, and in AD 312 Constantine invaded Italy and defeated Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge on the northern edge of Rome.
Aquileia was one of the main Roman mints at this time. The mint mark and nomenclature help fix the date at AD 307.
Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 14992; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London, Spink, 1923-1994) VI p.325, 113.