Last Roman Gold Issued in Britain
Magnus Maximus. AD 383-388. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.58 g, 6h). Londinium (London) mint. Struck AD 384. D N MAG MA-XIMVS P F AVG, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR-IA AVGG, Maximus and Theodosius enthroned facing, holding globe between them; behind and between, Victory standing front with outspread wings, palm below; AVGOB. RIC IX 2; Depeyrot 2/1; Biaggi 2312 (this coin); Cohen 9. Near EF. Very rare.
Maximus was a Spaniard who rose to the command of the troops in Britain, and he fought successfully against Picts ad Scots. Elevated by the British army, he crossed to Gaul where he overthrew Gratian. As evidenced by this reverse type, Maximus was initially recognized by Theodosius, but this only lasted until Theodosius was able to divert his forces from the east. Maximus eventually attempted to expand his base into Italy, but he was ultimately defeated there by Theodosius. Soon after this period, events on the Continent forced Rome to withdraw its armies from Britain, which also marked the end of the Roman mint at Londinium. This particular issue was the final gold struck there.
