Divus Maximian AE Half-follis (MEMORIAE AETERNAE, RIC VII 123)

DIVUS MAXIMIAN, died AD 310
Time of Constantine I, AD 306-337
AE Half follis (16.0mm, 2.14g, 6h)
Struck AD 317-318. Rome mint
Obverse: DIVO MAXIMIANO SEN FORT IMP, laureate and veiled bust of Maximian right
Reverse: MEMORIAE AETERNAE, lion walking right with tail held high, RP in exergue
References: RIC VII 123; RCV 16403; ERIC II 1932

Dark patina, some pitting on obverse, well-struck reverse. A rare type.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group, 12/14/2016 (E-Auction 388, lot 499). From the estate of Thomas Bentley Cederlind. Ex Stephen M. Huston, June 1985.

“Although Maximian, the former co-emperor of Diocletian from AD 286-305, had perished in rebellion against his son-in-law Constantine, the latter was still fully prepared to honour him seven years later with a posthumous coinage in order to boost his claims to seniority over his rival Licinius.” – David R. Sear (Roman Coins and Their Values, Vol. IV, p. 495)

Collection : Roman Imperial - the Constantinian Dynasty