Galerius AE Follis London Mint AD 300–303

Galerius AE Follis – Roman Imperial Coin (c. 300–303 AD)

Own a piece of Roman history dating back more than 1,700 years. This bronze follis was struck during the reign of Galerius as Caesar under the Tetrarchy, the system of government established by Emperor Diocletian.

Minted in Londinium (modern-day London), this coin represents an important period in Roman history when the empire was governed by two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares).

Coin Specifications

• Ruler: Galerius, as Caesar (AD 293–305)
• Empire: Roman Empire
• Denomination: AE Follis
• Date: Approximately AD 300–303
• Mint: Londinium (London, Britain)
• Composition: Copper-alloy bronze
• Mintmark: None (early London issue)
• XRF: Ag 4.27, Fe .594, Sn 2.10, Cu 90.05, Pb 2.99
• Weight: 7.7g
• Diameter: 26.9mm

Obverse – Portrait of Galerius

Inscription: MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES

The obverse depicts Galerius wearing a laurel wreath, facing right. The inscription identifies him as Maximianus, Noble Caesar, referring to his position as one of the junior emperors of the Roman Tetrarchy.

Reverse – Genius of the Roman People

Inscription: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI

The reverse features Genius, the protective spirit of the Roman people, holding a patera (a ceremonial offering dish) and a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

The inscription translates approximately to “To the Genius of the Roman People.”

Historical Significance

Galerius served as Caesar from AD 293 until 305 before becoming Augustus. He played a significant role in the military and political affairs of the late Roman Empire.

Coins struck at the London mint during this period are especially interesting because Roman coin production in Britain had only recently been brought back under central imperial authority following the defeat of the breakaway ruler Allectus in AD 296.

Early London issues without mintmarks provide collectors with a fascinating connection to Roman Britain and the administrative reforms of the Tetrarchy.

Available at Redmond Rare Coins & Precious Metals

Redmond Rare Coins & Precious Metals

Kirkland, Washington

Established 1995

redmondrarecoins.com

Ancient coins were individually struck and may exhibit irregular shapes, uneven strikes, surface deposits, and circulation wear. The photographs of the actual coin should be used to evaluate its condition.