Maximinus II, as Caesar, 305-309. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 5.29 g, 7 h), Ticinum, 305-306. MAXMINV-S NOB CAES Laureate head of Maximinus II to right. Rev. FELICITAS CAESS NOSTR / SMT Felicitas seated left, holding caduceus in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. Calicó -. Depeyrot -. Lanz 160 (2015), 527 (same obverse die). RIC -. Extremely rare, apparently the second known example. An exceptional piece, lustrous and sharply struck with a wonderful portrait. Very thin die breaks, otherwise, virtually as struck.

Struck to commemorate the regime change of 305, this remarkable aureus celebrates the elevation of Maximinus II and Severus II as Caesars. The reverse shows the goddess Felicitas with caduceus and cornucopia, and the legend FELICITAS CAESS NOSTR expresses the Empire’s good fortune in having such noble Caesars. Maximinus II, born Daza in Illyria, was the nephew of the Tetrarch Galerius. After a successful military career, he was adopted by Galerius and made Caesar, receiving Syria and Egypt - becoming the last ruler of Egypt to hold the title of Pharaoh. Upon Galerius’ death in 311, Maximinus became Augustus, ruling the eastern Empire under the name Galerius Valerius Maximinus Daza. Despite his uncle’s Edict of Toleration, Maximinus became known for persecuting Christians. His alliance with Licinius soon broke down, leading to a decisive battle at Tzirallum in April 313. Although outnumbered, Licinius defeated Maximinus, who fled and died months later in Tarsus. Licinius then took control of the eastern provinces