Maximian, follis, bronze, reign 286-305, minted 297-298

Maximian, follis, bronze, reign 286-305, minted 297-298, weight 10.2 g, diameter 28 mm. Obverse: Laureate bust of Maximian right; legend IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS AVG. Reverse: Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI; mintmark HTΔ in exergue. Strike: machine-struck on a round flan, centrally aligned with complete border dots. Toning: dark brown patina with lighter high-point rub. References: RIC VI Heraclea 19b. The follis was introduced by Diocletian’s 294 reform to stabilize imperial currency by providing a large bronze piece with a thin silver wash. This example was produced at the Heraclea mint during the early Tetrarchy, when Maximian governed the western empire alongside Diocletian. The reverse type featuring the personification Genius with attributes of abundance and sacrifice communicated the regime’s promise of prosperity and piety to the Roman populace. Coins of this issue circulated widely across the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean, supporting tax collection, military pay, and market transactions during the consolidation of Tetrarchic authority.