Maximinus II AD 310-313 Bronze Follis

Maximinus II AD 310-313 Bronze Follis

Laureate bust / Genius standing left holding patera from which liquid flows and cornucopiae

Alexandria

RCV14852, 25mm, 6.72g

 

Maximinus II was born in Illyricum to humble parents. He was the son of a sister of Galerius and because of his family connections he rose rapidly through the ranks of the Roman army. When Galerius became emperor for the east Maximinus was able to secure the elevation of his nephew Maximinus to Caesar.
When the two western emperors, Constantius and Severus died in quick succession There appeared to be a good chance of further promotion however Licinius was appointed instead creating a deep rivalry with both Maximinus and Constantine who had both been overlooked. Although Galerius tried to placate them by granting them the empty titles of Filius Augustorum or Son of Emperors when Galerius died in AD 311 Maximinus seized Asia Minor leaving Licinius with only Thrace.
In addition Maximinus ignored Galerius edict to abandon the persecution of the Christians. Instead he initiated an even more vigorous policy of persecution and issued a series of anonymous coins which celebrated paganism. Civil War with Licinius and Constantine, who had become allies, became inevitable. Maxentius , who was allied with Maximinus, was decisively beaten by Constantine at the Battle of Milivian Bridge in AD 312 leaving Maximinus to conclude an uneasy peace. Licinius and Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in AD 313 allowing religious toleration. This resulted in a final showdown with Maximinus who was defeated. Although Maximinus survived and fled he died a few months later.