Maximianus (first reign, 285-305) AE 'Abdication' Follis, issued 305-7. Cyzicus, 10.48g, 28mm.
Obv: D N MAXIMIANO FELICISSIMO SEN AVG; laureate half-length bust right, wearing imperial mantle, holding olive-branch and mappa.
Rev: PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES AVGG, Providentia standing right, extending right hand to Quies standing left, holding branch and leaning on scepter; S|F in fields, KΔ in ex.
RIC VI 23b (S)
Nicely patinated example with some silvering remaining.
Estimate: 100

The imperial system instituted by Augustus was marred by periodic struggles for the succession, which descended into total chaos in the third century. Part of Diocletian's plan for the tetrarchy was to provide for smooth transitions of power from the Augusti to the Caesars, but his hopes were to be dashed. This coin was issued to celebrate the retirement of Maximianus from active political involvement to a sort of “emperor emeritus” status, but Maximianus resigned his position only reluctantly. Soon after he emerged as emperor again, first as an advocate for his son Maxentius in Italy, then in Constantine’s camp - falling afoul of both, though, and ending up dead.