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In 305 AD, word spread throughout the Roman Empire of an unprecedented event: the voluntary retirement of Tetrarchal Eastern Augustus Diocletian and Western Augustus Maximian. Logically, their Tetrarchal Caesars, Galerius and Constantius I, succeeded them. Filling the now vacant role of co-Caesers were Severus II and Maximinus Daia. This announcement came as a surprise: the sons of the two western members of the Tetrarchy (Constantius’ son Constantine and Maxentius’ son Maximian) were overlooked. The selections were likely the machinations of Galerius, who conspired to ensure his domination over second Tetrarachy.
This nummus was minted during this period (between 305–306 AD), while Constantius was Augustus of the Western Roman Empire. Interestingly, it was struck in Cyzicus, a mint under the control of Galerius. Even thought there were tensions amongst the Tetrarachy regards the Caesars' selections, it was extremely important to continue producing coins promoting imperial unity. Cyzicus, like many other mints, struck coins depicting all four Tetrarchal rulers.
The obverse and reverse designs are very similar to the coin in this set representing Constantius' reign as Caesar. Of course, on the current coin, the obverse legend has been appropriately upgraded to IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTIVS PF AVG. The reverse of this coin presents the popular figure of Genius, holding a paterna and a cornucopia, along with the typical epithet, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI.
Constantius, presumably pleased about his promotion, theoretically now served as senior Augustus and Caesar Severus’ superior. In reality, Severus owed his promotion and loyalty to Galerius. To keep the Empire running smoothly, Constantius strongly preferred his son as his replacement. Moreover, Constantius’ health was failing, and he required immediate assistance in ruling his own portion of the Empire. Therefore, he called for his son Constantine, who had served for the last dozen years in the eastern court (effectively held hostage by Diocletian to ensure western loyalty). Constantine made his way westward expeditiously (just in case the eastern rulers had designs for treachery against him).
In early 306 AD, father and son were reunited and campaigned together against the Picts in Britannia. The military success, which earned Constantius yet another accolade, adding to an extremely long list (this time it was Britannicus Maximus II), would be his last. Later the same year, Constantius health deteriorated even further, and he expired of natural causes. On his deathbed, he named his son as successor. This last declaration, popular with the troops if not the Tetrarchy, secured the continuation of the Constantinian dynasty.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantius I, AD 305-306, Æ Follis (Nummus) (29mm, 9.83 g, 6h), Cyzicus mint, 2nd officina, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Laureate head right, IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTIVS PF AVG, Reverse: Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia,GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, KB in exergue, Reference: RIC VI 21a.