DIOCLETIAN AE Follis London Mint Rare Compact LON Exergue c.296AD 11.31g RIC 1a

Diocletian AE Follis – Historic First Issue of the London Mint (RIC 1a)

An exceptional, highly choice bronze follis (nummus) of Emperor Diocletian. This specimen represents the incredibly historic first issue struck at the London mint following the Roman reconquest of Britain by Constantius Chlorus in AD 296, bringing the province back into the fold of the Central Empire.

Crucially, this is the coveted RIC VI London 1a variant featuring the distinct, compact LON. This is a vital type coin for any serious collector of the Romano-British series.

Coin Specifications

• Emperor: Diocletian (AD 284–305)

• Denomination: AE Follis / Nummus

• Mint: Londinium (London, UK) – Struck c. AD 296–303

• Weight: 11.31 g

• Diameter: 26 mm

• References: RIC VI London 1a; Cloke & Toone (LMCC) 1.01.001

Design & Inscriptions

• 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. The narrow exergue shows the compact, ligated LON signature.

Provenance

• Ex Locke & England Auctioneers