Maximinus II Daia, AE3, bronze, reign 305-313, minted 310-313

Maximinus II Daia, AE3, bronze, reign 305-313, minted 310-313, weight 4.10 g, diameter 18 mm. Obverse: Tyche of Antioch seated facing left on a rocky outcrop, turreted crown, holding grain ears; river-god Orontes swimming below; legend APOLLONI SANCTO around. Reverse: Apollo standing left, chlamys draped over left arm, holding patera in right hand and lyre in left; mintmark SMA in exergue; legend GENIO ANTIOCHENI. Strike: machine-struck on a regular flan, die-axis typically near 6 h. Toning: even medium-brown patina with lighter high points. References: McAlee 170c; cf. RIC VI Antioch 169-172; Sear Roman Provincial 14936. The type was produced at Antioch during the late reign of Maximinus II Daia, a period marked by his rivalry with Licinius and Constantine for control of the eastern provinces. The coin’s obverse honors the city goddess Tyche and the river Orontes, symbolizing the civic identity of Antioch, while the reverse depicts Apollo, a deity favored by several Tetrarchic rulers as a patron of harmony and victory. The GENIO ANTIOCHENI inscription emphasizes local genius and prosperity, reflecting an imperial policy of acknowledging important urban centers to secure loyalty. Issues of this series circulated primarily in Syria and adjacent regions between 310 and 313, shortly before Maximinus II’s defeat by Licinius.