© British Museum
© British Museum
Argenteus - Diocletianus VICTORIAE SARMATICAE; Nicomedia
295 year| Silver | 3.15 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 295 |
| Value | Argenteus (1) |
| Currency | Argenteus, Reform of Diocletian (AD 293/301 – 310/324) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.15 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#391199 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
The four tetrarchs sacrificing outside the gate of a 5 turreted enclosure [6th turret obscured by damage to coin].
Script: Latin
Lettering: VICTORIAE SARMATICAE
Translation: Victories over the Sarmatians.
Comment
The denomination is uncertain.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Diocletian, who was the last emperor to attempt to reform the Roman Empire's currency system before its eventual decline. The coin's design and inscriptions reflect the political and military themes of the time, with the emperor's name and title on one side and the goddess Victoria on the other. Additionally, the use of silver in the coin's composition indicates the empire's continued reliance on this precious metal for its currency, despite the inflation and economic challenges of the period.
