Diocletian. AD 284-305. Æ Heavy Radiate fraction (26mm, 4.94 g, 6h). Cyzicus mint. Struck circa AD 295-296.

Electronic Auction 492
Lot: 428.

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 500

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Diocletian. AD 284-305. Æ Heavy Radiate fraction (26mm, 4.94 g, 6h). Cyzicus mint. Struck circa AD 295-296. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Emperor standing right, holding scepter and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, holding scepter; KA or Δ//•. Cf. RIC VI 13 (Maximianus). Corroded dark green surfaces, edge split. Fine. Extremely rare.

Diocletian’s currency reform completely remade the Roman silver and bronze denominations. A bevy of new denominations were created to replace the now completely debased antoniniani, including a full silver argenteus, a billion follis and corresponding fractions, and bronze ‘radiate’ and ‘laureate’ fractions. The earliest radiate issues can be considered prototypes, as they were struck to a heavier standard and on a heavier flan. They would soon be replaced with a smaller, lighter ‘radiate’ fraction.

Closing Date and Time: 26 May 2021 at 12:22:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.