Roman Coins of the London Mint: 296-325 AD

THE TETRARCHS AND IMPERIAL CLAIMANTS (284-313 AD)

THE FIRST TETRARCHY AS FOUNDED BY DIOCLETIAN

[Diocletian coin photo]
IMP C DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG ......................... GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Diocletian (RIC)
Caius Aurelius Verus Diocletianus
Augustus of the whole Roman Empire: 284-285 AD
Augustus of the eastern division of the Empire: 286-305 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 7

Diocletian [1]: Caius Aurelius Verus Diocletianus, has come down in history as an astute politician, accomplished administrator and a stalwart leader. Upon assuming the Imperium as Augustus in 284 AD Diocletian determined to bring an end to the social and political chaos that had pervaded the Roman Empire for over fifty years by instituting several radical reforms. He played the leading role in reorganizing the Imperial Governmental System and reforming the coinage.

In 285 AD he appointed Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus: Maximian [2], a close friend and a renowned General like himself, as his Caesar elevating him to co-Augustus one year later. Diocletian subsequently divided the Empire geographically with himself as Augustus of the East and Maximian as Augustus of the West (thereby instituting a Dyarchy).

In 293 AD Diocletian finalized the Institution of a Tetrarchy -- government of the Empire by four interacting rulers -- two Augusti assisted by two subordinate Caesars, which each Augustus would personally select. Diocletian emphasized his status as Senior Augustus by adopting Jovius as his Protector-God and assigning Herculius to Maximian. The two Caesars, chosen because of their proven leadership abilities, assisted the Augusti with civil administration and command of the armies. Caius Galerius Valerius Maximianus: Galerius [3] was chosen by Diocletian to be his Caesar of the East and Flavius Valerius Constantius: Constantius [4] was chosen by Maximian to be his Caesar of the West.

In 303 AD the two Augusti announced their intention to simultaneously abdicate and retire, their titles and authority to be assumed by the Caesars, who in turn would appoint new Caesars thus perpetuating the system. Diocletian and Maximian did in fact abdicate and retire in 305 AD to become Seniores Augusti.

[Maximianus coin photo]
DN DIOCLETIANO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG ........ PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES AVGG
Diocletian (RIC)
Abdication coinage 305 AD
Seniore Augustus (Senior=retired)
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 77a

Chronology of Events
This style of text is used to denote information that relates specifically to the coinage.

293 AD
* Diocletian institutes Tetrarchy -- two Augusti assisted by two Caesars selected by them.
* Diocletian adopts Jovius (senior) as his Protector-God.
* Maximian adopts Herculius as his Protector-God.
* Galerius is selected by Diocletian to be his Caesar of the East.
* Constantius is selected by Maximian to be his Caesar of the West.

296 AD
* Constantius, Caesar of the West, invades Britain (April)
* Constantius defeats the Usurper Augustus, Allectus - restores Secessionist Britain to the Empire.
* Establishment of the official London Mint [5]
* Obverse legend titulature for Tetrarchic coins [6]

297 AD
* Weight range is 9 to 11 grams which prevails until 307 AD [7]
* Silver content is approx. 3% to 4% [8]
* Mint mark is LON in the exergue of the coin reverses [9]

300 AD
* Mint mark is - none -

303 AD
* Diocletian and Maximian announce their intention to abdicate and retire.

305 AD
* Joint abdication and retirement of Diocletian and Maximian (1 May).
* First issue of "Abdication" coinage.
* Obverse legend reflects retired status of Diocletian & Maximian as Seniores Augusti [10]

[Maximianus coin photo]
IMP C MAXIMIANVS PF AVG ....................... GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Maximian Herculius (RIC) - Maximianus
Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus
Caesar to Diocletian: 285 AD
Augustus of the western division of the Empire: 286-305 AD
Colleague (emerged from retirement) Augustus with his son Maxentius: 306-308 AD
Self acclaimed Augustus (emerged from retirement again) 309 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 17

[Galerius coin photo]
MAXIMIANVS NOBIL C ....................................... GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Galerius Maximian (RIC) - Galerius
Caius Galerius Valerius Maximianus
Caesar to Diocletian: 293-305 AD
Augustus of the eastern Empire: 305-311 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 33

[Constantius Chlorus coin photo]
FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C .................................. GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Constantius (RIC) - Constantius I
Flavius Valerius Constantius
Caesar to Maximian: 293-305 AD
Augustus of the western Empire: 305-306 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 20

THE SECOND TETRARCHY

In May of 305 AD Galerius succeeded Diocletian as Augustus of the East and Constantius succeeded Maximian as Augustus of the West as planned. Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daia: Maximinus Daia [11] was appointed Caesar of the East and Flavius Valerius Severus: Severus [12] was appointed Caesar of the West. The second Tetrarchy was thus created.

Constantius died at York in Britain during a campaign against the warlike tribes of the North in 306 AD. Before he died, Constantius conferred Imperium on his son, Flavius Valerius Constantinus: Constantine [13]

Chronology of Events
This style of text is used to denote information that relates specifically to the coinage.

305 AD
* Elevation of Constantius and Galerius to Augustus in early May.
* Maximinus Daia is selected by Galerius to be his Caesar in the East.
* Severus is selected by Constantius to be his Caesar in the West.
* The second Tetrarchy is thus created.

306 AD
* Constantius becomes gravely ill during spring campaign against war-like tribes in northern Britain.
* Constantius confers Imperium on his son, Constantine.
* Constantius dies of natural causes at York, northern Britain, 25 July.

[Maximinus II coin photo]
MAXIMINVS NOBILIS C ....................................... GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Maximinus (RIC) - Maximinus II
Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daia
Caesar to Galerius: 305-308 AD
Filius Augustorum: 308 - 309 AD
Augustus of the eastern Empire: 310-313 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 63b

[Severus II coin photo]
SEVERVS NOBILISSIMVS CAES .................................. GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI
Severus (RIC) - Severus II
Flavius Valerius Severus
Caesar to Constantius: 305-306 AD
Augustus of the western Empire: 306-307 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 59a

THE THIRD TETRARCHY

Before he died in July of 306 AD, Constantius had conferred Imperium on his son, Constantine. Although his army wanted to proclaim Constantine Augustus Galerius, the now de-facto senior Augustus, proclaimed him Caesar of the West and elevated Severus to Augustus of the West thereby creating the Third Tetrarchy.

On 28 October 306 AD, the Citizens of Rome revolted against oppressive taxation and petitioned Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius: Maxentius [14], son of retired Augustus Maximian, to assume Imperium. The army at Rome subsequently proclaimed him Augustus and Maxentius persuaded Maximian to come out of retirement in order to serve as his "colleague Augustus". Galerius, the senior active Augustus, rejected these actions as illegal and instructed Severus (because Rome was in his sphere of authority) to engage Maxentius and depose him.

307 AD was a tumultuous year indeed. Early in the year Severus commanded an army that marched south into Italy to engage Maxentius as instructed by Galerius. The forces of Maxentius defeated those of Severus who was captured and subsequently executed in Rome. In April of that year Constantine married Fausta [15] (Fausta Flavia Maxima), the daughter of Maximian, at the same time entering into an alliance with him. Constantine assumed the title and powers of Augustus later in the year (not recognized by Galerius) after affirmation by Maximian and the Diocletian Tetrarchic System of Government by two Augusti and two selected Caesars effectively came to an end.

Chronology of Events
This style of text is used to denote information that relates specifically to the coinage.

306 AD
* Severus is proclaimed Augustus of the West by Galerius in July.
* Constantine is affirmed as Caesar of the West by Galerius in July.
* On 25 July Constantine assumes control of the Western Mints -- Trier, Lyons & London.
* The Citizens of Rome revolt against oppressive taxation.
* The Citizens of Rome petition Maxentius (son of Maximian) to assume Imperium.
* Late in the year the army at Rome proclaims Maxentius Augustus -- rejected by Galerius as illegal.
* Maximian emerges from retirement to serve as "colleague Augustus" to his son, Maxentius.
* Galerius instructs Severus to depose Maxentius.

307 AD
* Early in the year, Severus marches south into Italy at the head of an army to engage Maxentius.
* The forces of Maxentius defeat those of Severus who is captured.
* Severus is subsequently executed in Rome.
* Maximian travels to Gaul to confer with Constantine regarding the state of governmental affairs.
* Constantine marries Fausta, daughter of Maximian, in April.
* In early summer, weight range is 6 to 8.5 grams.
* Exergue Mint mark PLN is introduced.
* Several new reverse depictions and inscriptions are introduced [16]
* The GENIO POPVLI ROMANI reverse legend becomes GENIO POP ROM [17]
* Constantine is affirmed as Augustus by Maximian.
* Constantine assumes the title and powers of Augustus sometime after 25 July.
* Galerius does not recognize Constantine's elevation to Augustus.
* Maximian returns to Rome to re-join his son, Maxentius, as "colleague Augustus".
* The Diocletian Tetrarchic System of Government effectively comes to an end.
* Weight range is 5 to 7.5 grams by the end of this year which prevails until mid 310 AD.

[Constantine I coin photo]
FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C ....................................... GENIO -- POP ROM
Constantine (RIC) - Constantine I
Flavius Valerius Constantinus
Caesar of the West: 306-307 AD
Augustus: 307 AD
Filius Augustorum: 309 - 310 AD
Co-Augustus with Licinius: 313-324 AD
Sole Augustus: 324-337 AD
(This issue as Caesar in 307 AD just prior to assuming the title and powers of Augustus)
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 88b

[Maximianus coin photo]
DN MAXIMIANO PFS AVG ....................... GENIO -- POP ROM
Maximian Herculius (RIC) - Maximianus
This issue after marrying his daughter, Fausta, to Constantine in 307 AD
Actually, Maximian was no longer retired (PFS) at this time (Ref: RIC Volume VI, p39)
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 90

DISSOLUTION OF THE TETRARCHY: IMPERIAL CLAIMANTS

In the autumn of 308 AD Galerius organized and convened a conference at Carnuntum consisting of himself, Diocletian and Maximian to discuss the "Augusti problem". Galerius did not recognize either Constantine or Maxentius as Augustus. Galerius subsequently proposed that his old friend and comrade, Flavius Valerius Licinianus Licinius: Licinius [18] be appointed Augustus of the West to replace the deceased Severus and he obtained the concurrence of Diocletian and Maximian in this maneuver. Maximian once more went into retirement. Galerius now proposed that Constantine be recognized as Caesar, although Constantine did not acquiesce.

Maximinus Daia was incensed at the elevation of Licinius to Augustus over him, as was Constantine at his proposed "demotion" to Caesar, and so Galerius designated both of them Filius Augustorum: "son of the Augustus" -- a somewhat empty title of convenience and compromise -- in an attempt to mollify them.

There now followed a struggle between the Imperial Claimants: Maximian, who had again emerged from retirement as a self-proclaimed Augustus, was defeated in battle by Constantine in 309 AD and commited suicide in 310 AD. Maximinus Daia was proclaimed Augustus by the troops of his army in the same year. Maximinus Daia and Maxentius formed a Military Compact early in 312 AD but Maxentius was defeated and killed by the forces of Constantine during a famous battle at Milvian bridge outside Rome later that year. The forces of Maximinus Daia were defeated by those of Licinius in 313 AD, Maximinus committing suicide later that year. Constantine and Licinius were proclaimed co-Augusti bringing down the curtain on this Historical Period.

Chronology of Events
This style of text is used to denote information that relates specifically to the coinage.

308 AD
* Conference of Carnuntum consisting of Galerius, Diocletian and Maximian is convened.
* Galerius proposes his friend, Flavius Valerius Licinianus Licinius, be designated Augustus.
* Licinius is appointed Augustus of the West with concurrence of Diocletian and Maximian.
* Maximian goes into retirement yet again.

309 AD
* Maximinus Daia and Constantine are appointed Filius Augustorum by Galerius (Footnote 21).
* Maximian again emerges as a self-proclaimed Augustus.
* Maximian is defeated by Constantine in battle and deposed.

310 AD
* Maximian, accused of plotting against Constantine, commits suicide.
* Maximinus Daia is proclaimed Augustus by the troops of his army.
* Galerius now recognizes Maximinus Daia and Constantine as Augusti.
* Exergue Mint mark PLN is now accompanied by letters/symbols in field (Footnote 8)
* Constantine adopts the Sun God Sol as his protector on 25 July [19]
* Introduction of Constantinian coins with SOLI INVICTO COMITI reverses.
* Weight range is 4 to 5 grams by the end of this year which prevails until early 313 AD.

311 AD
* Galerius dies of disease on 5 May.

312 AD
* Maximinus Daia and Maxentius enter into a Military Compact.
* Maxentius is killed in battle with Constantine at Milvian bridge outside Rome on 28 October.

313 AD
* Licinius marries Constantia, (half) sister of Constantine in January.
* Maximinus Daia is defeated in battle with Licinius and flees east.
* Maximinus subsequently commits suicide in Tarsus.
* Conference of Milan -- Constantine (West) and Licinius (East) are proclaimed co-Augusti.
* Weight range is 3.5 to 4.5 grams and less by the end of this year.
* Silver content is now approx. 2%.

[Maximinus II coin photo]
IMP MAXIMINVS PF AVG ....................................... GENIO -- POP ROM
Maximinus (RIC) - Maximinus II
Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daia
Caesar to Galerius: 305-308 AD
Filius Augustorum: 308 - 309 AD
Augustus of the eastern Empire: 310-313 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 209b

[Constantinian coin photo]
CONSTANTINVS PF AVG ....................................... SOLI INVIC -- TO COMITI
Constantine (RIC) - Constantine I
Flavius Valerius Constantinus
Co-Augustus (West) with Licinius: 313-324 AD
Constantine I, RIC Vol. VI (Londinium) No. 234

[Licinius I coin photo]
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG ....................................... GENIO -- POP ROM
Licinius (RIC) - Licinius I
Flavius Valerius Licinianus Licinius
Augustus of the West: 308-313 AD
Co-Augustus (East) with Constantine I: 313-324 AD
RIC Volume VI (Londinium) No. 209c

Footnotes:

[1] Diocletian was born in Dalmatia c. 245 AD as Diocles. He was proclaimed Augustus by the army in 284 AD after the death of Carus and his son, Numerian, during a campaign against the Persians. The second son of Carus, Carinus, was killed by a faction of the army leaving Diocletian the undisputed Augustus. After their abdication, both Diocletian and Maximian were accorded the titles of Seniores Augusti -- to serve as elder statesmen when called upon. While that titulature afforded them reverence and stature, the serving Augusti wielded supreme power. Diocletian was sixty-eight when he died in 313 AD. (DATT 5; IPOLRE 45-46, 204; RICVI 7-11, 24-27) Location in page

[2] Maximian did not pursue a quiet retirement in the manner of Diocletian after their abdication in 305 AD. As recorded in the text and chronology of events sections of this page, he could not relinquish power easily. He finally died by his own hand after a failed plot (which was exposed by his own daughter, Fausta) to depose Constantine. Sutherland mostly uses the appellation Herculius or Maximian Herculius while Rees and Nixon/Rodgers use Maximian which is the name form I use on these pages. Often listed in coin catalogs and commercial sale lists as Maximianus. (DATT 6-7; IPOLRE 42, 203-204; RICVI 7-8, 15-16) Location in page

[3] Galerius was the son-in-law of Diocletian having married his daughter, Valeria, prior to his own appontment to Caesar. Although these Tetrarchic familial alliances prevailed, Rees points out that family bonds were not a prerequisite for elevation to the Tetrarchic college (although such alliances certainly helped). Like all successor Tetrarchs, Galerius was an army field General of notable skill and ability. Caution should be exercised when attributing the coins of Galerius & Maximian due to the similarity of the name forms in the obverse legend. (DATT 77; RICVI 9, 14) Location in page

[4] Also known as Constantius Chlorus ("the pale"). Constantius married Theodora, the step-daughter (?) of Maximian, after divorcing his first wife, Helena who had borne him a son - Constantinus. In the complex hierarchal system of the time, Constantius was senior to Galerius having been invested as Caesar at an earlier date. Often listed in coin catalogs and commercial sale lists as Constantius I to distinguish him from his grandson. (DATT 77; IPOLRE 50-51; RICVI 12-13, 27-28) Location in page

[5] The unofficial London Mint of the Usurper Augusti was re-opened by the Tetrarchs after the restoration of Britain to the Empire in 296 AD as an official mint with one officina (workshop). (RICVI 113) Location in page

[6] Example coin obverse titulature for Augusti:
IMP C DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG

IMP = Imperator (army supreme commander)
{name form of Diocletian}
PF = Pius Felix (dutiful and wise leader)
AVG = Augustus (unique title of Emperors)

Example coin obverse titulature for Caesars:
FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C

{name form of Constantius}
NOB C = Nobilissimus Caesar (noble prince) -- sometimes NOB CAES, NOBIL C, etc. (RICVI 27, 29-40) Location in page

[7] Only aes (bronze) coins -- named Follis -- composed of an alloy of copper (by far the largest constituent), tin, lead, silver (and with a silver surface wash?) were produced by the London Mint. The size and weight of these coins steadily diminished throughout this period. Coins were initially approx. 28 mm in diameter (11 grams) gradually declining to approx. 20 mm in diameter (3.5 grams and less). (RICVI 101, 115-122) Location in page

[8] The silver content declined from an initial value of approx. 3% to 4% to approx. 2% by the end of this time period. (RICVI 94-99) Location in page

[9] Londinium (London) Mint marks:

Exergue   Left field   Right field   Date range
LON                 ---                 ---            c. 297 -- small (rare) issue.
---                     ---                 ---            c. early 303 to mid 307
PLN                 ---                 ---            c. summer 307 to early 310
PLN                  T                    F           c. mid 310
PLN                * T                 * F           c. mid 310 * is actually above T and F respectively - rare issue.
PLN                 ---                   *             c. mid 310 to late 312
PLN                  *                   ---            c. late 312 to May 313

Consult this Reference by Ken Elks for a chronological tabulation of Mint marks. (RICVI 113-122) Location in page

[10] Coin obverse titulature for retired (Seniors) Augusti: Diocletian & Maximian:
DN MAXIMIANO PFS AVG

DN = Dominus Noster (Our Lord)
{name form of Maximian}
PFS = Pius Felix (dutiful and wise leader) Senior (retired)
AVG = Augustus (unique title of Emperors)

(RICVI 27, 29-40) Location in page

[11] Lactentius asserts that Maximinus Daia was the nephew of Galerius. Sutherland mostly uses the appellation Maximinus while Rees and Nixon/Rodgers use Maximinus Daia which is the name form I use on these pages. Often listed in coin catalogs and commercial sale lists as Maximinus II to distinguish him from the previous Emperor Maximinus. (DATT 78, RIC 26-27) Location in page

[12] 25 December 307 AD is now widely accepted as the date of Severus' death. The name form Severus is used by Rees, Nixon/Rodgers and Sutherland (and me). It is often listed in coin catalogs and commercial sale lists as Severus II to distinguish him from the previous Emperor Septimus Severus. (IPOLRE 180-181; RICVI 26-29) Location in page

[13] Constantius was involved in a campaign against the Picts in northern Britain and had requested Galerius to send his son Constantine, who was serving under Galerius, to join him. Upon the death of Constantius, Constantine sent notice to Galerius that his father had granted him Imperium (in his capacity as senior Augustus - albeit questionably). Galerius recognized the action and accorded Constantine the rank of Caesar. Often listed in coin catalogs and commercial sale lists as Constantine I to distinguish him his second oldest son -- also sometimes listed as "Constantine the Great". (IPOLRE 179-185, 197; RICVI 12-14, 26-29) Location in page

[14] Maxentius had been passed over for selection as Caesar for the second Terarchy because of unsuitable character traits according to some extant historians. Maxentius married Galerius' daughter, Valeria Maximilla, but that didn't appear to secure him any favor with Galerius or temper their mutual dislike. Because Maxentius was never recognized as a legitimate Augustus by the other Tetrarchs, no coins were struck in his name by the London Mint. (DATT 76-77, 83-84; RICVI 16-19, 27-29) Location in page

[15] This marriage had many ramifications in the historical scheme of things. For Maximian it was a way to cement an alliance with the up and coming Constantine, something that he eagerly desired during his re-emergence as Augustus. For Constantine it was an important step in his goal of attaining legitimacy and approbation attending his elevation as Augustus. Constantine had previously been married to Minervina who bore him one son - the future Caesar, Crispus - very little is known of her or the circumstances of their divorce. Fausta went on to bear Constantine three sons: Constantine II, Constantius II & Constans - all of whom became Augusti. (DATT 76-77, 195, 198; RICVI 15-16, 29) Location in page

[16] The new reverse inscriptions (with obverse depictions) were:

ADVENTVS AVGG -- Constantine
GENIO POP ROM -- (Genius with Modius) Maximian
GENIO POP ROM -- (Genius Towered) Constantine, Maximian, Maximinus Daia
HERCVLI CONSERVATORI -- Maximian
MARS VICTOR -- Constantine & Maximian
MARTI PACIF -- Constantine
MARTI PATRI CONSERVATORI -- Constantine
MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI -- Maximian
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS -- Constantine
QVIES AVGG -- Diocletian
ROMAE AETER -- Constantine & Maximian

Later, COMMITI AVGG NN, MARTI PATRI PROPVG, MEMORIA FELIX & SOLI INVICTO COMITI Reverses were introduced. (RICVI 118-122) Location in page

NOTE: This Reference by Ken Elks provides detailed information relating to obverse and reverse depictions and inscriptions.

[17] The shortening of the legend resulted from the reduced flan size attending the significant coin weight reduction during this year. (RICVI 117-188) Location in page

[18] Galerius had been planning this move for some time believing that Licinius was not only eminently qualified to be Augustus, but also that he represented an ideal partner for him to work with. Often listed in catalogs and commercial sale lists as Licinius I to distinguish him from his own son. (DATT 80, RICVI 14-15, 30) Location in page

[19] Constantine kept Sol as his protector until 318 AD at which time SOLI INVICTO COMITI reverses disappeared from London Mint coins - Sol was the last pagan god depicted on Roman coins. (RICVI 32, 120-122) Location in page

[20] Imperial Personages depicted on coins produced by the London Mint during this period were:

Diocletian
Maximian
Galerius
Constantius
Maximinus Daia
Severus
Constantine
Licinius

Of the above personages, only Constantius and Constantine were ever physically in Britain.

Maxentius was not depicted on London Mint Coins.

[21] London Mint coins of Constantine and Maximinus Daia did not include the Filius Augustorum tituluture (FIL AVGG) in their obverse legends -- that only occurred on the eastern mint coins under the control of Galerius.

References:

DIOCLETIAN AND THE TETRARCHY, Roger Rees, Edinburgh University Press Ltd, (2004) (DATT)
IN PRAISE OF LATER ROMAN EMPERORS (The Panegyri Latini), C. E. V. Nixon and Barbara Saylor Rodgers, University of California Press, (1995) (IPOLRE)
THE ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE (RIC), Volume VI, Diocletian's reform (Ad 294) to the death of Maximinus (AD 313), C. H. V. Sutherland, Spink & Son Ltd, London (1967) (RICVI)
London Mint: AD 296-325 -- a compilation by Ken Elks that includes RIC references, production dates, weight ranges, mint marks, Augustus associations and a link to his page Obverse & Reverse types and legends used at the London Mint AD 296-325.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Include my name as original author.

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