Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305, AE Radiatus

Galerius, radiate fraction, AE; as Caesar AD 293–305, struck at Antioch c. AD 293–295. 3.52 g, 22 mm. Obverse: GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: CONCORDIA MILITVM; Jupiter standing left presenting Victory on globe to Galerius standing right. Struck at Antioch during the early Tetrarchic bronze series. RIC VI Antioch 61b.

Issued during Diocletian’s reform period, this post-reform radiate represents the small bronze fraction accompanying the new nummus. As Caesar within the first Tetrarchy, Galerius directed eastern campaigns that ended with victory over the Sasanian king Narseh and the treaty of Nisibis in AD 298/299. Antioch, a major eastern mint, supplied coinage for these operations, and the CONCORDIA MILITVM reverse advertised the army’s loyalty and cohesion under the collegiate imperial system.