RIC V Diocletian 323
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC V Diocletian 323. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Diocletian. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Diocletian, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Diocletian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG.
The reverse shows jupiter, standing right, holding globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand, and Hercules, standing left, holding Victory in right hand and club and lion's skin in left hand, with the legend IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG.
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
Diocletian was Roman emperor from 284 until his abdication in 305, having been proclaimed by troops following the deaths of Carus and Numerian. He defeated Carinus at the Battle of the Margus, brought an end to the Crisis of the Third Century, and reigned over the Eastern Empire.
Struck at the mint of Antioch in Syria, this silver antoninianus represents a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD as a double denomination valued at two denarii. The coin features the obverse legend "IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG" and displays the emperor wearing a radiate crown, which indicated the double denomination. The reverse carries the legend "IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG" and depicts Jupiter and Hercules, the former holding a globe and sceptre, and the latter holding Victory, a club, and a lion's skin.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Antioch, Syria
- Authority
- Diocletian
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Diocletian, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Diocletian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Jupiter, standing right, holding globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand, and Hercules, standing left, holding Victory in right hand and club and lion's skin in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC V Diocletian 323
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.5.dio.323
Varieties
RIC V Diocletian 327
Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.
Research required
- Editorial verification required.
- Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.