Anonymous, time of Maximinus II, AE Half Nummus, Antioch Mint, ‘Persecution’ issue, 310-313 AD – Zeus /Victory

$65.00

- +
SKU: R2.25 Categories: ,
Share On:

Description

Roman Imperial, Anonymous, time of Maximinus II, AE Half Nummus (bronze, 1.52g, 15.2mm), Antioch Mint, ‘Persecution’ issue, 310-313 AD 
Obv: Jupiter seated left on throne, holding globe and scepter
Rev: Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; ANT in exergue, B in right field
Ref:  McAlee 171b; Vagi 2955 Rarity/Choice: Scarce, VF (hazy obverse)
Note: Following the death of Galerius in AD 311, Maximinus II took control of Asia Minor and the Levant, declaring himself Augustus. Known for persecuting Christians, he initially relaxed these actions due to an edict of toleration. However, major cities like Nicomedia and Antioch requested a continuation of anti-Christian policies, with Antioch even erecting a statue of Zeus condemning Christians. Encouraged, Maximinus appointed pagan priests and executed prominent Christian preachers. Fearing repercussions from Constantine I and Licinius I, he rescinded the persecutions in December AD 312. After his defeat by Licinius in April AD 313, Maximinus issued an edict restoring Christian properties, but this failed to secure his power, and he died in July or August 313. Eusebius records that the persecutions were driven by local cities reliant on pagan practices for their economy, rather than imperial policy, with significant coinage from Nicomedia, Antioch, and Alexandria reflecting this political dynamic.

Related products