Maxentius, 307-312. Follis (Bronze, 27 mm, 6.09 g, 12 h), Aquileia, summer-autumn 308. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG Laureate head of Maxentius to right. Rev. CONSERV VRB SVAE / AQP Roma seated facing within hexastyle temple, holding globe in her right hand and scepter in her left; at her side, shield; in pediment, star. Drost 23a. Paolucci & Zub 165. RIC 121a. A highly interesting overstrike, exceptionally well preserved. Slightly rough, otherwise, good 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').