c 306-312 AD - MAXENTIUS - Ancient Roman Bronze Follis

$180.00

Bronze Follis - Ancient Rome, c. 306-312 AD

Emperor: Maxentius

Obv: IMP MAXENTIVS PF AVG – Laureate bust of Maxentius, right

Rev: VICTORIA AETERNA AVG N – Victory advancing left, with wreath & palm

Mint: Ostia

S-R15027, 23mm, 5.34gm

ex: Frederick S. Knobloch (1968).   Mint state, well centered, even patina.

Maxentius ( Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius Augustus) was Roman Emperor from 306 to 312. He was the son of former Emperor Maximian and the son-in-law of Emperor Galerius.

When his father became emperor in 285, Maxentius was regarded as a crown prince who would eventually follow his father on the throne. In 305, Diocletian and Maximian abdicated, and the former caesares Constantius and Galerius became Augusti. Although two sons of emperors (Constantine and Maxentius) were available, they were passed over for the new tetrarchy, and Severus and Maximinus Daia were appointed Caesars. Galerius hated Maxentius and used his influence with Diocletian to see that Maxentius was ignored in the succession - Maxentius retired to an estate some miles from Rome.

When Constantius died in 306, his son Constantine was crowned emperor on July 25 and subsequently accepted by Galerius into the tetrarchy as Caesar. This set the precedent for Maxentius' accession later in the same year. 

Maxentius reigned as an Emperor from 306 until his death in 312. Maxentius was the last emperor to permanently reside in Rome. He attempted to embellish, restore and improve the ancient capital, carrying out important building works, many of which are still visible. The latter part of his reign was preoccupied with civil war, allied with Maximinus against Licinius and Constantine. Constantine the Great defeated him at the pivotal Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Maxentius, with his army in flight, purportedly perished by drowning in the Tiber river.

 

  • Inventory# PA-3299