Owner Comments:
This silver argenteus illustrates the challenge that can arise when attributing ancient coinage. From the style and mintmark, it can be ascertained that the coin was struck in Serdica in the middle of the 4th century’s first decade. At the time, the Roman Empire’s leaders formed a Tetrarchy. Each of the four Roman rulers struck coinage with very consistent portraiture: large, squared-off faces donning serious expressions and neatly groomed coiffure and beards. This numismatic harmony was likely propaganda to promote the image of unified and harmonious leadership throughout all the provinces.
In lieu of portraiture, the obverse inscription provides information regarding the coin’s attribution: MAXIMIANVS AVG. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that this argenteus was struck for Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus Herculius Augustus (commonly referred to as Maximian), the Tetrarchal Eastern Augustus from 293-305 AD. Indeed, NGC Ancients lists Maximian as the primary origin. However, NGC Ancients also notes that the coin was perhaps struck by Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus Augustus (commonly referred to as Galerius), the Tetrarchal Eastern Augustus from 305-311 AD. Both leaders sported the Maximianus portion of their names on their coinage. In addition, both leaders issued coinage with the exact same obverse legend, reverse image (a three-turreted arched camp gate) and reverse legend (VIRTVS MILITVM, with dot SM dot SDE dot in exergue).
Currently, one cannot possess absolute certainty whether Maximian or Galerius struck this particular coin. Either way, it is an exceptionally fine specimen from the Roman Empire’s Tetrarchal period. Perhaps new information will someday come to light and settle the issue.
Additional reading: J Illingworth, “NGC ANCIENTS: THE TETRARCHY OF DIOCLETIAN,” 4/10/2012.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Maximian, AD 286-310, AR Argentus (3.28 g), Serdica mint struck in 303-305 AD, Perhaps issue of Galerius (RIC VI Ib/IIb), NGC Grade: Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate head right MAXIMIANVS AVG, Reverse:, arch, VIRTVS MILITVM, dot SM dot SDE dot in exergue, Reference (Maximian): RIC VI Ib; RSC 627a, Reference (Galerius, alternate): RIC VI Serdica IIb.