Maxentius (AD 306–312). Roman Empire.
Æ Follis — NGC Certified.
Obverse: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG — Laureate head of Maxentius facing right.
Reverse: Commonly types include AETERNITAS AVG N or CONSERV VRB SVAE — Temple or Roma seated within tetrastyle temple, holding globe and scepter; mintmark in exergue.
Specifications:
Denomination: Æ Follis (bronze)
Diameter: ~24–28 mm
Weight: ~6–10 g (varies by issue and mint)
Mint: Rome, Ostia, or other Italian mints (attribution depends on mintmark)
References: RIC VI (Rome/Ostia issues)
Historical Note:
Maxentius was the son of Emperor Maximian and rival of Constantine the Great. Proclaimed emperor in Rome in AD 306, he maintained power in Italy and Africa for six years. His coinage is distinctive for its strong ties to Rome — especially the frequent depiction of the Temple of Roma and the personification of the Eternal City (CONSERVATOR URBIS SUAE, “the Preserver of His City”). These types reflect Maxentius’s self-image as the restorer and protector of Rome, in contrast to Constantine’s more universal imperial propaganda.
Defeated and killed at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312, Maxentius remains a pivotal figure in the late Tetrarchic struggle, and his coins are valued for their bold imagery and historic significance at the turning point between pagan Rome and the rise of Constantine.
Collecting Note:
This NGC-certified piece offers both security of authenticity and preservation of condition. Maxentius coins are particularly appealing to collectors focused on the dramatic Constantine–Maxentius rivalry and the final chapter of Rome as a pagan imperial city.
Maxentius (AD 306–312). Roman Empire.
Æ Follis — NGC Certified.
Obverse: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG — Laureate head of Maxentius facing right.
Reverse: Commonly types include AETERNITAS AVG N or CONSERV VRB SVAE — Temple or Roma seated within tetrastyle temple, holding globe and scepter; mintmark in exergue.
Specifications:
Denomination: Æ Follis (bronze)
Diameter: ~24–28 mm
Weight: ~6–10 g (varies by issue and mint)
Mint: Rome, Ostia, or other Italian mints (attribution depends on mintmark)
References: RIC VI (Rome/Ostia issues)
Historical Note:
Maxentius was the son of Emperor Maximian and rival of Constantine the Great. Proclaimed emperor in Rome in AD 306, he maintained power in Italy and Africa for six years. His coinage is distinctive for its strong ties to Rome — especially the frequent depiction of the Temple of Roma and the personification of the Eternal City (CONSERVATOR URBIS SUAE, “the Preserver of His City”). These types reflect Maxentius’s self-image as the restorer and protector of Rome, in contrast to Constantine’s more universal imperial propaganda.
Defeated and killed at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312, Maxentius remains a pivotal figure in the late Tetrarchic struggle, and his coins are valued for their bold imagery and historic significance at the turning point between pagan Rome and the rise of Constantine.
Collecting Note:
This NGC-certified piece offers both security of authenticity and preservation of condition. Maxentius coins are particularly appealing to collectors focused on the dramatic Constantine–Maxentius rivalry and the final chapter of Rome as a pagan imperial city.
