Roman Empire – Constantius I Chlorus (AD 293–305 as Caesar, 305–306 as Augustus)
Billon Antoninianus (circa AD 293–296)
Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTIVS P F AVG – Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantius Chlorus facing right.
Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI – Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; mintmark in exergue.
Specifications:
Denomination: Antoninianus (billon, debased silver)
Diameter: ~21–23 mm
Weight: ~3.0–3.5 g
Mint: Typically issued at Trier, Londinium, or other western mints
References: RIC VI (various depending on mint and officina)
Historical Context:
The antoninianus of Constantius Chlorus reflects the transitional coinage of the late 3rd century, when silver content was heavily reduced but designs emphasized stability and prosperity. The GENIO POPVLI ROMANI reverse type was widely used under Diocletian and the Tetrarchy, symbolizing the well-being and fertility of the Roman state through the personification of Genius, guardian spirit of the Roman people.
Constantius Chlorus, father of Constantine the Great, was an important figure in the Tetrarchy, ruling the western provinces and leading successful campaigns in Britain and Gaul. His coinage often reflects the unified propaganda of the Tetrarchy: military authority, divine favor, and the prosperity of Rome.
Roman Empire – Constantius I Chlorus (AD 293–305 as Caesar, 305–306 as Augustus)
Billon Antoninianus (circa AD 293–296)
Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTIVS P F AVG – Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantius Chlorus facing right.
Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI – Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; mintmark in exergue.
Specifications:
Denomination: Antoninianus (billon, debased silver)
Diameter: ~21–23 mm
Weight: ~3.0–3.5 g
Mint: Typically issued at Trier, Londinium, or other western mints
References: RIC VI (various depending on mint and officina)
Historical Context:
The antoninianus of Constantius Chlorus reflects the transitional coinage of the late 3rd century, when silver content was heavily reduced but designs emphasized stability and prosperity. The GENIO POPVLI ROMANI reverse type was widely used under Diocletian and the Tetrarchy, symbolizing the well-being and fertility of the Roman state through the personification of Genius, guardian spirit of the Roman people.
Constantius Chlorus, father of Constantine the Great, was an important figure in the Tetrarchy, ruling the western provinces and leading successful campaigns in Britain and Gaul. His coinage often reflects the unified propaganda of the Tetrarchy: military authority, divine favor, and the prosperity of Rome.
