Bronze Coin – AE Follis, Ancient Rome, c. 293-305 AD
Ruler: Constantius I (as Caesar) - Father of Constantine the Great
Obv: Laureate Head of Constantius, right
Rev: "Genius of the Roman People" standing left
Mint: Trier, struck 300-301 AD
(Sear RI4069) - 28mm, 9.92gm
Constantius I, commonly known as Constantius Chlorus, was Caesar from 293 to 305 and Emperor (Augustus) from 305-306 AD. He was the father of Constantine the Great and founder of the Constantinian dynasty.
As Caesar, he defeated the usurper Allectus in Britain and campaigned extensively along the Rhine frontier, defeating the Alamanni and Franks. Upon becoming Augustus in 305, Constantius launched a successful punitive campaign against the Picts beyond the Antonine Wall. However, Constantius died suddenly in Eburacum (York) the following year. His death sparked the collapse of the tetrarchic system of government inaugurated by the Emperor Diocletian.
