Augustus Diocletian, follis, bronze, reign 284-305, minted 294-295

Augustus Diocletian, follis, bronze, reign 284-305, minted 294-295, weight 10.1 g, diameter 28 mm. Obverse: laureate bust right of Diocletian; inscription IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG. Reverse: Genius of the Roman People standing left, nude with modius on head, chlamys over left shoulder, pouring libation from patera in right hand and holding cornucopia in left; legend GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, exergue SMN. Strike: machine-struck on a broad bronze flan with typical late-third-century alignment. Toning: dark brown patina with lighter high-point highlights common to Nicomedian bronzes. References: RIC VI Nicomedia 27a; mint Nicomedia; rarity classified as common in standard catalogues. The follis introduced by Diocletian in his monetary reform of 294 was intended to stabilize imperial finances after decades of inflation. Struck at Nicomedia, this issue formed part of a coordinated empire-wide coinage that paired the image of the emperor with the Genius of the Roman People, reinforcing themes of civic prosperity and divine favor. The SMN mint mark identifies the first officina at Nicomedia, one of the regional mints reorganized under the Tetrarchy to ensure regular bullion supply and uniform standards. Coins of this type circulated widely throughout the eastern provinces, reflecting both the administrative reach of Diocletian’s reforms and the practical importance of the new bronze denomination in everyday commerce.