Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 165. Estimate CHF15000.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF28000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Maximianus. First reign, 286-305. Aureus (Gold, 5.30 g 7), Rome, 286. IMP C M AVR VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximianus to right Rev. IOVI CONSERVAT AVGG Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and scepter in his left. Calicó 4688. Cohen 348. Depeyrot 2D/3. RIC 492. Lustrous, well centered and nicely struck. Good extremely fine.

From the collection of a Gentleman.

Maximianus was an old comrade of Diocletian’s and was one of his main supporters when he took over the throne in 284. Diocletian realized that the many problems the Empire faced needed more than a single ruler and appointed Maximianus Caesar and co-ruler in 285 and co-Augustus in 286. He believed, rightly, that Maximianus’ superior military ability would prove complimentary to his own undoubted administrative talents. This proved true; to share the burden of rule more efficiently a further two Caesars were appointed in 293, forming what came to be known as the First Tetrarchy. This coin was struck in Rome as part of the celebratory donative on the occasion of Maximianus’ elevation as Augustus.