Diocletian, 284-305. Antoninianus (Silvered bronze, 21 mm, 3.44 g, 11 h), Rome, 293-294. IMP DIOCLETIANVS AVG Radiate bust of Diocletian to left in consular robes, holding eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand. Rev. PRIMIS X MVLTIS XX / XXIB Jupiter, nude, standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left; in field to right, R. Cohen 386. RIC 175. Very rare and with a highly interesting reverse. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.


This very rare type, among the final Antoniniani issued by Diocletian before his major monetary reform, was struck to commemorate his Decennalia celebration. The reverse legend PRIMIS X MVLTIS XX marks the fulfillment of vows (vota) for the first 10 years of his reign and the declaration of new vows for an additional 20 years, which the emperor formally announced on this occasion.