Maxentius – Follis – Temple

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Obverse Description:

IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG – Head of Maxentius, laureate, right

Obverse Translation:

Imperator Caesar Maxentius Pius Felix Augustus – Commander in Chief Cesar Maxentius pious fortunate emperor

Reverse Description:

CONSERV – VRB SVAE – Roma, helmeted, draped, seated front, head left, seated front in hexastyle temple, holding globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at left, shield; as acroteria, knobs; in pediment, wreath; to left

Reverse Translation:

Conservatores Urbs Suae — Defender of his city

Ruler:

Coinage:

,

Minted:

Year 310 - 311 AD

Rome

Denomination / Metal:

Follis

Bronze

Diameter / Weight:

24 mm

gr

Catalogue:

RIC VI Rome 258

Observations:

f you are looking for a coin that represents the “Last Stand” of the city of Rome as the center of the world, the Maxentius Follis (RIC VI Rome 258) is a heavy, bronze masterpiece of architectural defiance. Struck around AD 310–311, this coin is a fascinating snapshot of a man who loved Rome so much he was willing to die for its relevance.

At Numiscurio, we often say the “soul” of a coin is found in the monuments it depicts. This Follis doesn’t just show a building; it shows a statement of political legitimacy.

1. The Historical Context: The Rebel of the Tiber

By AD 310, the Roman Empire was supposed to be ruled by a neat “Tetraarchy” (four emperors). But Maxentius, the son of the retired Emperor Maximian, wasn’t invited to the party. He seized power in Rome, declaring himself the true “Protector” of the ancient capital.

While his rivals like Constantine the Great were busy building new power bases in Gaul and the East, Maxentius obsessed over Rome. He repaired the Appian Way, built the massive Basilica of Maxentius, and struck these beautiful coins to remind the world that the “Eternal City” was still the heart of the Empire.

Because Maxentius was defeated and killed by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312, his memory was often suppressed. Coins that survived without being melted down are true witnesses to the end of the Pagan era in Rome.

2. The Reverse: The Temple of Roma

The reverse of RIC 258 is iconic. It features a hexastyle temple (a temple with six columns) containing the goddess Roma seated inside.

  • The Statue of Roma: Inside the temple, Roma is depicted sitting on a shield, handing a globe to Maxentius (or holding a globus cruciger). It was a powerful visual argument: “The Goddess of the City itself has chosen Maxentius as her champion.”
  • The Pediment: If you look closely at a high-grade specimen, you can see intricate details in the triangular pediment of the temple—often featuring wreaths or religious symbols.
  • The Legend: CONSERV VRB SVAE (Preserver of His Own City). This was Maxentius’s personal slogan. He wasn’t trying to conquer the world; he was trying to “Conserve” the dignity of Rome against those who wanted to move the capital elsewhere.

3. The Obverse: The “Princeps” Portrait

The obverse features the laureate head of Maxentius facing right.

  • The Look of Tradition: Maxentius avoided the stylized, abstract portraits of the other Tetrarchs. He preferred a more classical, “Augustan” look. His portraits often show a strong jaw and a short-cropped military beard, projecting a sense of old-school Roman stability.
  • The Legend: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG (Emperor Caesar Maxentius, Pious and Blessed Augustus).

4. Technical Details: The “Rome” Mint

  • RIC VI Rome 258: Cataloged in Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VI.
  • The Mint Mark: Look at the bottom (exergue) for RT, RBT, or RBP (Romae, followed by the workshop letter).
  • The “Silvering”: Like many coins of this era, this Follis was originally issued with a thin silver wash. Finding a specimen that still has those silvery highlights in the columns of the temple is a rare treat for a collector.