Galerius, as Caesar, 293-305, Follis

Galerius (as Caesar), Follis, AE, reign 293–305, struck at Ticinum c. AD 300–303; 10.44 g; 28 mm. Laureate head right; legend MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES. Reverse with Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopia; legend SACRA MONET AVGG ET CAESS NOSTER; Ticinum mintmark in exergue. Struck on the large post-reform module, originally issued with thin silvering typical of the Diocletianic monetary reform. RIC VI Ticinum 48b.

Issued during the Tetrarchy, this follis belongs to the post-reform bronze introduced by Diocletian to stabilize the currency after AD 294. The reverse legend, “Sacred Mint of our Augusti and Caesars,” publicizes imperial control over minting and the integrity of the coinage system. Ticinum served as a principal mint for the northern Italian region, producing standardized issues for the Caesars and Augusti; for Galerius as Caesar, such types accompanied his consolidation of authority within the collegiate rule and the administrative centralization characteristic of the period.