Aureus - Diocletianus (COS IIII) (290-292) front Aureus - Diocletianus (COS IIII) (290-292) back
Aureus - Diocletianus (COS IIII) (290-292) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Aureus - Diocletianus COS IIII

 
Gold 6.4 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
290-292
Value
Aureus (25⁄2)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Gold
Weight
6.4 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#306156
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Diocletian, draped, cuirassed, riding right, raising right hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: COS IIII

Translation:
Consul Quartum.
Consul for the fourth time.

Comment

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aureus - Diocletianus (COS IIII) coin is that it was issued during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted during the reign of Diocletian, who introduced a series of economic reforms aimed at addressing inflation and stabilizing the empire's economy. The Aureus was a key component of these reforms, as it was introduced as a new standardized gold coin that replaced the earlier gold coins, such as the Solidus, and was intended to be used as a stable store of value and medium of exchange. Despite the challenges of the time, the Aureus - Diocletianus coin remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item today, with its gold content and historical significance making it a prized addition to any collection of ancient coins.