Roman Follis Coins

Inv. No.: c158
Date: A.D. 297-305.
Weight: 1.65g
 
Obv.: Maximian Herculius, laureate, cuirassed.
IMP.C.MAXIMIANVS P.P.AVG.

Rev.: Genius, modius on head, chlamys over left shoulder, holding patera in right hand, cornucopiae in left hand.
GENIO POPVLI ROMANI
No mintmark in exergue.

Besides the gods, Roman religion admitted guardian spirits (genii), who presided over and inspired states, nations, families and individuals.

The obverse is technically interesting for the manner in which textures of hair, beard, skin and metal are distinguished. The first two are markedly stylised. The head is elongated, the neck short.

"Some coins of Maximianus Herculius show a nasal deformity resulting from a broken nose as well as facial features suggesting the loss of teeth. One wonders if they were the result of an accident or a combat injury.” (G.D. Hart, “The Diagnosis of Disease from Ancient Coins”, Archaeology 26 (1973), 123-127). Hart’s observations are pertinent here.

Comparanda:
CRB 608; D.S. Barrett, “Maximian Herculius Obverses: PF or PP?”, Seaby Coin and Medal Bulletin 747 (November, 1980), p. 348. (See Appendix B)