Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Diocletian 300

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Diocletian 300. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Diocletian. Mint: Cyzicus. The obverse shows bust of Diocletian, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Diocletian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand, with the legend MARTI VLTORI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Formerly an Illyrian soldier named Diocles, he rose through the military to become a cavalry commander under Emperor Carus before being proclaimed emperor by the troops. His reign ended the Crisis of the Third Century, dividing imperial rule into a Tetrarchy while he governed the Eastern Empire as senior Augustus.

Struck at the mint of Cyzicus, this gold coin represents the aureus, which served as the principal gold denomination of ancient Rome from the first century BC into the early fourth century AD. The obverse features Diocletian's imperial portrait with the title "IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG". The reverse depicts Mars carrying a spear and shield, accompanied by the inscription "MARTI VLTORI".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Cyzicus
Authority
Diocletian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Diocletian, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Diocletian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
MARTI VLTORI

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Diocletian 300
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
MARTI VLTORI
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference