AE Follis of Diocletian 284-305 AD., GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Alexandria mint

Reign: Caius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus 20 november 284 AD. - 1 may 305 AD. Date Struck: 301 AD. Mint: Alexandria, 2-nd officina (B) Obverse: IMP C DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG, laureate head right Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing, head left, pouring libation from patera and holding cornucopiae, XX - I to left and right, B in upper right, ALE in ex Weight: 8.78 grams Diameter: 28/25 mm Reference: RIC VI 32a Grade: Very fine, green patina Comments: Caius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus was a man of humble birth who rose through the Roman military ranks on pure talent. Becoming emperor after the assassination of Carinus, Diocletian introduced many reforms that prolonged the life of the Empire, which was on the verge of total collapse before his reign. These reforms, however, eliminated most personal freedoms and turned much of the population into hereditary serfs. Diocletian was the first Roman emperor to voluntarily abdicate. He lived out his retirement in his palace on the Dalmatian coast, tending his vegetable gardens. His palace went on to become the core of the modern day city of Split.