Diocletian, AE Radiatus, billon, reign 284-305, minted 284-305

Diocletian, AE Radiatus, billon, reign 284-305, minted 284-305, weight 3.8 g, diameter 22 mm; mint Antioch. Obverse: radiate, draped bust right; legend IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG. Reverse: Diocletian standing right in military dress, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, leaning on sceptre; legend CONCORDIA MILITVM / B // ANT. Strike: well-centered on a round flan with full legends. Toning: dark grey-brown patina with lighter high-point rub. References: RIC VI Antioch 60a; ID Number L5-63. The billon radiatus of Diocletian belongs to the early phase of his reign before the reformed folles of 294. Struck at Antioch, a principal eastern mint, the type CONCORDIA MILITVM was intended to reaffirm harmony between the emperor and the army during the establishment of the Tetrarchy. The depiction of Jupiter transferring Victory underscores the ideological link between the emperor and the supreme Roman deity, a theme Diocletian promoted widely. These issues circulated alongside pre-reform antoniniani and help illustrate the transitional monetary environment preceding Diocletian’s comprehensive coinage reform.