Diocletian AE Follis Lyons Mint 296 AD - GENIO POPVLI ROMANI - RIC VI 2a

Roman Imperial: Diocletian (284–305 AD) AE Follis

• Mint: Lyons (Lugdunum)

• Date: c. 296 AD

• Weight: 11.31 grams

• Diameter: 26mm

• Reference: RIC VI Lyons 2a (Scarce early issue)

• Obverse Legend: IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG (Imperator Caesar Diocletianus Pius Felix Augustus)

• Obverse Description: Laureate, cuirassed bust right. A superb, characterful Tetrarchic portrait featuring sharp execution of the laurel wreath, tight-cropped beard, and armor details.

• Reverse Legend: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI (To the Genius of the Roman People)

• Reverse Description: Genius standing left, naked but for a chlamys draped over his left shoulder, wearing a modius on his head. He holds a patera in his right hand and a cornucopia in his left arm.

  A highly satisfying, heavy early follis weighing an impressive, full-standard 11.31 grams. This coin features a genuine, uncleaned-style deep green malachite patina.

  Ex Locke & England Auctioneers.