The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5
Grade Comment: silvering
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

On November 11, 308 AD, the senior Tetrarchal Augustus Galerius convened a meeting to discuss the growing chaos among the Roman Empire’s leadership. The attendees included (retired) Augustus Diocletian, (previously retired) Augustus Maximian, and Galerius’ Dacian childhood friend and military colleague, Licinius. Up for discussion: the growing number of Augusti. The lineup included not just themselves, but also former junior Caesar turned self-proclaimed Augustus Constanine I, and usurper Maxentius. At the meeting, it was decided (of course) that Galerius retain his role as Tetrarchal eastern (and senior) Augustus, along with his Caesar counterpart, Maximinus II. It was also stipulated Maximian would retire (again). Most significantly, Licinius was appointed western Tetrarchal Augustus and his subordinate would be (the highly disgruntled) Constantine, officially reverting back to Tetrarchal western Caesar. (Completely left out was Maxentius, who was declared an enemy of the state). The choice of Licinius came somewhat as a surprise. Although he was a trusted and accomplished military leader, Licinius never held the title of Caesar. Presumably, his friendship with Galerius, and the latter’s desire to retain control over the Tetrarachy, factored in the decision. As part of the revised imperial structure, Licinius commanded the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace and Pannonia, and largely delegated the remainder of the western provinces, including the difficult matter of usurper Maxentius, to Constantine. The next several years were turbulent, and the list of Emperors started to shrink. Galerius died in 311 AD, at which point Licinius contended with his successor Maximinus, whose soldiers had already released the javelin and promoted their leader as Augustus a year earlier. Constantine invaded Italy and deposed Maxentius. He also saw to the demise of Maximian, who briefly launched his third and final reign. Three Augusti now remained, and in a prudent move, Lininius agreed to an uneasy collaboration with former Caesar, and now undeniable Augustus Constantine. The important relationship was formalized during a meeting in Milan in 313 AD, wherein Licinius agreed to marry Constanine’s half sister, Constantia. Licinius also agreed to issue a joint declaration with Constantine establishing religious tolerance throughout the Empire. Perhaps feeling left out of the party, the third Augustus, Maximinus, took the opportunity to invade into Licinius’ territories. At the center of the conflict between Licinius and Maximinus was the mint city of Herculea, located on the western shores of the Sea of Marmara. Control of the city seesawed between the two Augusti, as reflected in its coinage over this period. The present coin, a nummus, was struck in 312 AD while Lincinius was in control. The obverse bust of Licinius is probably modeled after that of Maximinus. On the verso, Jupiter holds the globe in one hand, a long scepter in the other, with a wreath to the left, anticipating Licinius' 5-year anniversary. In exergue is the mintmark HTG, thus the coin was produced just before Licinius and his treasury took up residence at Heraclea to advance the war against Maximinus. Soon therafter, the Herculean nummi were mintmarked with an SM (for the first time), indicating an Augustus in residence and making preparing for war. The verso legend, IOVI CONSERVATORI, reflects the king of the Gods' role in protecting the realm. True to the coin’s message, Licinius hastily departed Milan to attend to his realm’s defense. He battled with Maximinus’ forces, exhausted and demoralized from their rapid mobilization. Lincinius emerged victorious over his opponent, who escaped, but died shortly thereafter. The number of Roman Empire’s Augusti dwindled to a mere two, but was destined for even further reduction. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Licinius I, 308-324 AD, Billon Reduced Nummus (5.20 g), minted 312 AD in Heraclea, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Laureate head right IMP C VAL LIC LICINIVS P F AVG, Reverse: Jupiter standing left holding globe and scepter, wreath to field in left, IOVI CONS-ERVATORI, HT(gamma) in exergue, Reference: RIC VI, 65, page 540.

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