Martinian, usurper, 324. Follis (Bronze, 20 mm, 3.13 g, 12 h), Nicomedia. D N M MARTINIANO P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Martinian to right. Rev. IOVI CONS-ERVATORI / X / IIΓ // SMNA Jupiter standing front, head to left, holding Victory on globe in his right hand and long scepter in his left; at his feet to left, eagle standing left, holding wreath in his beak; to right, captive seated to right, his head turned back toward Jupiter. RIC 46. Very rare. Attractive earthen highlights on a dark patina. Slightly rough, otherwise, about very fine.


Martinian was Licinius' magister officiorum whom he appointed to co-Augustus after his defeat against Constantine I in the Battle of Adrianople on 3 July 324. Martinian's main task was to prevent Constantine from crossing the Hellespont, but Constantine crossed the Bosporus instead and defeated Licinius once again in the Battle of Chrysopolis on 18 September 324. Both Licinius and Martinian were captured in the aftermath of the defeat and eventually executed the year thereafter