Constantius I, as Caesar, 293-305. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 22 mm, 4.52 g, 6 h), Siscia, 293-294. FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius I to right, seen from behind. Rev. PRAESIDIA REI PVBLIC / XXIA Constantius and Galerius standing facing each other, holding together a Victory on globe and each holding spear and shield with his left hand; between them, captive kneeling right. Cohen 218. Margetic, Praesidia (2012), p. 367, 10 (this coin). RIC 671. Very rare. Slightly rough and with minor traces of cleaning, otherwise, good very fine.



PRAESIDIA REI PVBLIC(AE) literally means 'the defenders/protectors of the state,' or, more freely in the context of this very rare coin, 'Constantius Chlorus and Galerius, the newly appointed Caesars, are the guarantors of the res publica.' The type thus fits perfectly with the inauguration of the Tetrarchic system in 293, proclaiming to soldiers and civilians alike that this new arrangement would restore security and safeguard the empire after decades of instability and civil conflict.