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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Diocletian 605

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Diocletian 605. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Diocletian. Mint: Cyzicus. The obverse shows bust of Maximian, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Maximian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock, with the legend VIRTVTI HERCVLIS or VIRTVTI ERCVLIS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 served as Roman emperor from 284 until his abdication in 305, having been proclaimed ruler by his troops following the deaths of Carus and Numerian. To stabilise the Roman Empire, Diocletian appointed his fellow officer Maximian as Augustus and co-emperor in 286 to rule the Western Empire, while Diocletian governed the Eastern Empire as senior Augustus.

Struck at Cyzicus under the authority of Diocletian, this gold coin represents the aureus, which functioned as the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD. The piece features Maximian alongside the obverse legend "IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG". Its reverse illustrates Hercules standing and leaning on a club with a lion's skin on a rock, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVTI HERCVLIS" or "VIRTVTI ERCVLIS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Cyzicus
Authority
Diocletian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Maximian, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Maximian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock
Obverse legend
IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVTI HERCVLIS or VIRTVTI ERCVLIS

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Diocletian 605
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVTI HERCVLIS or VIRTVTI ERCVLIS
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.
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