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Maximian
Maximianus, first reign, 286-305. Argenteus (Silver, 18 mm, 3.19 g, 12 h), Siscia, 294-295. MAXIMIA-NVS AVG Laureate head of Maximianus to right. Rev. VIRTVS MILITVM Four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before city enclosure with eight turrets. Jelocnik 12a. RIC 43b. Ex. Collection of Ried Redlich, ex Edward J. Waddell FPL 66, 1995, No. 105. Ex. Nomos 30, lot 1485, 11/06/2023.
Maximian, also known as Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, was a Roman emperor who played a pivotal role in the late 3rd century during the Tetrarchy, a system of shared imperial rule introduced by Emperor Diocletian. Born around 250 CE in Pannonia (modern-day Hungary), Maximian rose from humble origins through the military ranks, earning recognition for his leadership and loyalty. In 286 CE, Diocletian appointed him as co-emperor, granting him the title of Augustus and assigning him control of the Western provinces.
Maximian's reign was marked by military campaigns and efforts to stabilize the empire during a time of crisis. Tasked with defending the West, he successfully quelled the Bagaudae, a group of insurgents in Gaul, and repelled Germanic tribes such as the Alemanni and Franks along the Rhine frontier. Additionally, he managed to suppress the secessionist rebellion of Carausius, who had declared himself emperor in Britain, though the final defeat of Carausius's successor, Allectus, was achieved by Maximian's subordinate, Constantius Chlorus.
As a ruler, Maximian was a staunch enforcer of Diocletian's reforms, which sought to restore order to the empire through administrative centralization and economic regulation. However, he lacked the intellectual sophistication of Diocletian, relying instead on his martial prowess and pragmatism. His partnership with Diocletian was crucial in managing the sprawling empire, yet tensions occasionally arose between the co-emperors.
In 305 CE, Maximian abdicated alongside Diocletian as part of the Tetrarchy's succession plan, but he was drawn back into power amid subsequent political instability. He briefly reclaimed the throne during his son Maxentius's rebellion but ultimately faced defeat. His life ended in 310 CE, either through execution or suicide, under Emperor Constantine's orders.
Maximian's legacy lies in his role as a soldier-emperor, whose strength upheld the Tetrarchic system during its formative years.
Like Diocletian's argentei, those of Maximian can come very nice. This one is brilliant and nearly as proof-like as the Diocletian. The portrait is essentially perfect and the tetrarchy on the reverse is very clear. It is too bad that this denomination died out with the tetrarchy itself. The next few emperors did not mint any silver coins which have survived, leaving collectors with only modest bronzes or extremely expensive aurei to collect.