Obverse: IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, laureate bust right.
Reverse: GENIO POPULI ROMANI, Genius standing left with modius on head, patera & cornucopia, Γ in right field.
Exergue: ANT (Antioch).
Notes: Dealer graded “Choice Very Fine, with wonderful surfaces and patina. Small flaw above Diocletian’s eye, but an otherwise stunning portrait." Ex Incitatus Coins (Steve McBride), Code XXXIII. Struck ca. 294-99?
Obverse: IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG [Imperator Caesar Caius Valerius Diocletianus Pius Felix Augustus]; Radiate, draped bust right.
Reverse: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG [Jove and Hercules, preservers of the Augusti]; Jupiter standing right, holding globe & scepter; Hercules standing left holding victory, club, and lion’s skin.
Exergue: XXI• Antioch mint; E in field; RIC #: 323 [Vol. V 256];
Notes: Ex. Doug Spangler; Code XIII; 5/05; Dealer graded F/VF. Struck ca. 293 AD? "There are three very common themes on the coinage of the tetrarchs: Jupiter, Hercules, and the Genius of the Roman People. The latter was proffered as a State cult that was as much devoted to patriotism and a sense of unity among the inhabitants of the Empire as it was devoted to actual tutelary spirits. The use of the cults of Jupiter and Hercules is particularly interesting. Diocletian placed himself and his Eastern Caesar under the divine protection of Jupiter, the supreme god, and these rulers are thus often referred to as the Jovian dynasty. Similarly, Maximianus and the Western Caesar were devoted to Hercules, the obedient and heroic servant of Jupiter, and are known as the Herculian dynasty. These cults of Jupiter and Hercules thus provide a wonderful symbolic manifestation of the roles of the tetrarchs." --Van Meter
