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The May 305 AD abdication of Augusti Diocletian and Maximian was cause for deep concern. After all, it was an unprecedented move for an Empire recovering from the prior century's
modus operandi of ascension through assassination. Given the context, it was time for a new, meritocratic approach to imperial regime change. To this end, the promotion of Caesars Galerius and Constantius and their backfill by Maximinus II and Severus II was supposed to signal an end to the messiness of hereditary succession. But then Constantius' death and the British legions' subsequent proclamation of his son Constantine as successor threw a wrench into the gears of the Tetrarchy machine. It was — borrowing the lexicon of a 20th century philosopher-athlete —
deja vu all over again.
Meanwhile back in Rome, things were even more unsettled. The Eternal City was suffering from a profound identity crisis. No longer the administrative heart of the Empire, the once proud metropolis was consigned to a symbolic relic as power shifted to the East. This loss of prestige, coupled with unpopular decrees made by long-distance rulers, had incensed the Roman populace. The last straw was the Tetrarchy's plans to impose a capitation tax on Rome just like any other ordinary imperial city. It was the perfect storm for the unofficial promotion of another imperial dynast, namely Maximian's son, Maxentius (c. 283–312 AD), who had been twice snubbed by a system that viewed his lineage as a liability.
It was a golden opportunity for Maximian as he seized power over Italy and North Africa. Yet, the initial months of his reign revealed a surprising tactical restraint. Rather than immediately claiming the supreme title of Augustus — which would have been a formal declaration of civil war — Maxentius chose a more cautious path. He claimed for himself the eclectic title of
Princeps Invictus (Unconquered First Citizen) and
Nobilissimus (Noble) Caesar. It was a sophisticated gamble, implying the creation of a new junior partner on the imperial team. Maxentius was angling for an imperial appointment, emboldened by how popular opinion forced Galerius into grudgingly retaining Constantine as Eastern Caesar under the newly appointed junior Augustus, Severus II.
This rare nummus hails from that intriguing period of ambiguous branding. Despite being an unofficial issue, the engraving was carefully executed to adhere to strict Tetrarchy standards, including a relatively blocky, military portrait. The obverse depicts Maxentius's laureate bust encircled by the epithet M AVR MAXENTIVS NOB CAES. Herein Maxentius advertises not only his self-proclaimed title, but also his extended praenomen and cognomen of Marcus Aurelius that he inherited from his father (who in turn adopted the names upon his adoption by Diocletian). Despite his lack of actual blood ties, Maxentius strove to associate himself with the old imperial legitimacy. Noticeably absent on this coin's inscription is Maxentius' additional inherited nomen of Valerius, which at the time represented a formal dynastic name for the ruling Tetrarchs. The omission is further evidence that, at least initially, Maxentius was taking a cautious path by not directly provoking the Tetrarchy. Instead, he signalled that he was a qualified imperial candidate who awaited an invitation.
The theme of strategic endorsement continues on the reverse, which features a female figure holding fruits in both hands within the inscription SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART (
Salvis Augustis et Caesaribus Felix Karthago). The figure is the divine representation of Carthage, and the legend conveys that her realm's fortune is ensured by the safety of the Tetrarchy. By invoking the health of the "Augusti and Caesars" (plural), Maxentius was nominally endorsing the four-man rule that had rejected him. But the imagery was also a sharp reminder: Carthage was the Empire’s primary breadbasket. By depicting the city’s prosperity, Maxentius was subtly reminding his rivals that, while he was willing to play by the rules for the sake of recognition, he now controlled the vital grain supply and thus held a decisive hand in the Empire’s logistical survival.
Regardless of the attempt at ambiguous branding, there was simply no room for a third Caesar within the Tetrarchy. While Constantine had successfully forced Galerius to accept him as a junior partner, Maxentius remained an outcast. Ultimately, Maxentius was forced to drop the mask of a Noble Caesar and claim the purple for himself. Maxentius took responsibility for Rome's restoration, a path that inevitably led to conflict with the Tetrarchy and a final showdown against Constantine with fate of not only the Eternal City, but the Roman Empire itself, at stake.
Coin Details: Maxentius, as Princeps and Caesar, AD 306-307, BI Nummus (29.5mm, 10.55 g, 6h), Carthage mint, 4th officina, 1st emission, end AD 306-early spring 307, NGC Grade:VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3.5, Obverse: Laureate head right, M AVR MAXENTIVS NOB CAES, Reverse: Carthage standing facing, head left, holding fruits in both hands, SALVIS AVGG ET CAESS FEL KART, H|–//Δ, References: RIC VI 51a; Drost 14.
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm 2.8/100 Macro GM lens.