Diocletian, 284-305. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 5.12 g, 1 h), Cyzicus, 286-287. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Diocletian to right, seen from behind. Rev. FATIS V[I]CTRICIBVS / S C The three Parcae (Fates) standing front, one with the head to the right and two with the head to the left, each holding a cornucopiae in her left hand, one holding a rudder and two holding a rudder between them. Calicó 4449. Cohen 58. Depeyrot 5/5. RIC 294. Pierced and with some scrapes and a bump on the edge, otherwise, about very fine.


The reverse of this interesting aureus shows the Parcae, three sisters who personified Destiny in Graeco-Roman culture. Nona decided a person's moment of birth, Decima their lot in life, and Morta determined their hour and mode of death. The Parcae were often seen as even more powerful than the gods, and the invocation of the 'Victorious Fates' on the reverse was meant to present Diocletian's reign as supported by destiny itself.