Diocletian. Antioch. AD 285. Silvered Bronze Antoninianus Huge Flan, Silvered

A transitional late antoninianus struck at Antioch shortly after Diocletian’s accession in AD 285, during the final phase of the denomination.

Obverse:

Radiate, draped bust of Diocletian right, reflecting early Tetrarchic portrait conventions—still individualized before the fully abstract, uniform Tetrarchic style emerged.

Reverse:

Typical radiate‑era military or imperial propaganda types (e.g., Iovi Conservatori, Pax, Concordia Militum), paired with an ANT or XXI/•Δ• style mark for Antioch. The silvered surface—a hallmark of late antoniniani—was applied to imitate the appearance of earlier high‑silver issues despite the coin’s bronze core.

Historical Note:

These early coins of Diocletian capture the moment the Tetrarchy was being formed and the empire was transitioning from Crisis‑era numismatic instability to the more controlled post‑reform folles.