© John Conduitt (CC BY-SA)
© John Conduitt (CC BY-SA)
Nummus - Galerius as Caesar small head, long neck, MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES; GENIO POPVLI ROMANI; Londinium
| Bronze | 9.56 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305) |
| Caesar | Galerius (Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus) (293-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 300-303 |
| Value | Nummus / Follis (¼) |
| Currency | Argenteus, Reform of Diocletian (AD 293/301 – 310/324) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 9.56 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#212594 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Genius standing left, modius on head, naked but for chlamys draped over shoulder, holding patera and cornucopiae.
No mintmark.
Script: Latin
Lettering: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI
Translation:
To Genius, guardian spirit of the Roman people.
London.
Comment
RIC 15 and RIC 21 are the same except for the bust style.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Galerius, who was a powerful Roman emperor and caesar, but is depicted with a small head and long neck, which is a departure from the traditional depiction of Roman leaders. This could be interpreted as a sign of humility or a nod to the influence of Eastern artistic styles, which were known for their more naturalistic depictions of the human form. Additionally, the coin's inscription, "GENIO POPVLI ROMANI," or "to the genius of the Roman people," suggests that the coin was minted to commemorate a significant event or milestone in the history of Rome.
