Nummus - Diocletian (Cuirassed bust from behind, IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG; GENIO POPVLI ROMANI; Londinium) (300-305) front Nummus - Diocletian (Cuirassed bust from behind, IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG; GENIO POPVLI ROMANI; Londinium) (300-305) back
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Nummus - Diocletian Cuirassed bust from behind, IMP DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG; GENIO POPVLI ROMANI; Londinium

 
Bronze 5.57 g 24.24 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
300-305
Value
Nummus / Follis (¼)
Currency
Argenteus, Reform of Diocletian (AD 293/301 – 310/324)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
5.57 g
Diameter
24.24 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#373188
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Genius, wearing modius, nude, chlamys draped over left shoulder, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
No mintmark

Script: Latin

Lettering: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI

Translation:
To Genius, guardian spirit of the Roman people.
London.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a cuirassed bust of Diocletian from behind, which is a unique design element compared to other coins of the time. This design choice may have been made to emphasize Diocletian's military prowess and strength as a leader. Additionally, the coin's reverse side features the Genius of the Roman People, which was a personification of the Roman state and its power. This coin is a rare and valuable example of Roman numismatics and provides insight into the political and cultural climate of the late Roman Empire.