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Of humble origin, Galerius (260-311 AD) forged an impressive military career dating back to his distinguished service under Augustus Aurelian. In 293 AD, Augustus Diocletian decided to reorganize his imperial leadership team, and he chose Galerius as his Eastern Tetrarchal Caesar. As part of his promotion, Galerius took on Diocletian’s daughter Valeria as his wife.
Galerius served as Diocletian’s subordinate for the next decade. Over that time, coins were struck in Galerius’ name not only at his own mints, but also within cities under dominion of his three imperial colleagues. As an example, this billon follis was struck on the other side of the Empire (in Trier) by Galerius’ counterpart, Western Tetrarchal Caesar Constantius I. The obverse presents the laureate and cuirassed bust of Galerius, along with his inscription as noble Caesar. The reverse depicts Genius, the complex Roman representation of the duality of good and bad personal tutelaries, with the dominant determining man's ultimate disposition. In one hand, Genius holds a cornucopia, and in the other a patera, a libation bowl used to toast the gods. This reverse motif was especially popular on Roman coins during the Tetrarachal period.
Whether or not Genius’ inspiration, Galerius compiled an extensive record of military campaigns. Particularly noteworthy was the late 3rd century AD war against the Sassanid Empire. Opposing Galerius was Narseh, son of Shapur I, infamous for sacking Rome’s eastern provincial cities (including Antioch) and capturing one of her rulers (Augustus Valerian). Narseh, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps, gained the upper hand against Galerius’ forces early in the war. The senior Emperor, most displeased with Galerius’ apparent lack of progress, decided to pay his subordinate a motivational visit. When he arrived in Antioch, Diocletian reportedly forced his Caesar to walk a mile in front of his imperial cart. Afterwards, Galerius doubled his efforts, and eventually forced Narseh to surrender.
With the victory over the Sassanids, not to mention many other enemy tribes, Caesar Galerius proved his imperial credibility. When Diocletian abdicated in 305 AD, Galerius took his place as Augustus in the east and dominant ruler over the Roman Empire.
Coin details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Galerius (Caesar, 293-305 AD), Billon Follis (26mm, 9.28 g, 6h), Struck: 303-305 AD, Trier mint, 1st officina, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Obverse: Laureate and cuirassed bust right, MAXIMIANVS NOBIL C, Reverse: Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, S | F || PTR, Reference: RIC VI 594b.