Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (18mm, 3.28 g, 6h). Siscia mint. 1st unsigned emission, 2nd series, autumn AD 294-295. EF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 849. Estimated: $ 750

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 3 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Maximianus. First reign, AD 286-305. AR Argenteus (18mm, 3.28 g, 6h). Siscia mint. 1st unsigned emission, 2nd series, autumn AD 294-295. Laureate head right / The tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city gate with eight turrets. RIC VI 34b; Gautier, Argent 7c (this coin, illustrated); RSC 550b. Attractive iridescent toning. EF.

From the Barry N. Rightman Collection. Ex New York Sale XXX (9 January 2013), lot 310; 6 May 1953 Sisak Hoard.

In AD 294-295, the newly formed Tetrarchy introduced a new silver coin with a high purity that was the same size and weight as the denarii of Nero struck 230 years earlier. The new coin, called an argenteus nummus, was a critical part of Diocletian’s plan to restore confidence in the economy and government. These argentei were issued with the names and portraits of all four rulers of the First Tetrarchy—the senior emperors (Augusti) Diocletian and Maximianus, and the junior emperors (Caesares) Galerius and Constantius Chlorus. Rendered in the “hard” artistic style of the time, the portraits appear very similar, creating a visual representation that emphasized the government’s unity. Their portraits were portrayed with subtle differences that distinguish the four rulers while maintaining cohesion. Reverses stressed the Empire’s new status as a secure fortress, showing either the four Tetrarchs sacrificing before a circuit of walls, or a military camp gate surmounted by turrets. Intended to stabilize the Roman economy and eliminate inflation, the argenteus seems to have had the opposite effect, as the coins were widely hoarded for their silver content, rather than circulating in daily commerce.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session Three – Lot 588-888 will be held Tuesday morning, 19 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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