Diocletian, 284-305. Follis (Silvered bronze, 29 mm, 9.25 g, 11 h), Rome, circa 303-May 305. IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG Laureate head of Diocletian to right. Rev. SAC MON VRB [AVGG ET CAESS NN] / R(crescent)P Moneta standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. E. Ghey: Rauceby Hoard Catalogue, in: ibid. (ed.): Recent Discoveries of Tetrarchic Hoards from Roman Britain and their Wider Context. British Museum Research Publication 236. London 2024, p. 279, 854.5 (this coin). 111a. A highly interesting overstrike (see note below). Thin flan crack and with some flatness and traces of overstriking on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.



Traces of the undertype on the reverse indicate that this piece was overstruck at a 180° angle on a follis of the same type, though not from the same die. This suggests that two reverse dies of identical type were used in alternation to expedite the minting process. It is likely that at least four workers were involved: two alternating with different reverse dies of the same type, one placing the flans into the obverse die, and one striking with the hammer. The rapid succession of strikes resulted in this coin being struck twice - by both reverse dies - at an exact 180° rotation (the so-called 'Kraay-effect').