Maximianus. Silver Argenteus (3.04 g), first reign, AD 286-305. Contemporary imitation. Copying Rome, ca. AD 295-297. MAXIMIA-NVS AVG, VIRTVS MILITVM, The four tetrarchs sacrificing before city gate with six turrets; H. Cf. RIC 40b; cf. RSC 622g. Very unusual and the first such example we have seen. Old cabinet toning. Very Fine. Estimated Value $300 - UP
The odd style of the portrait and the reverse scene, as well as the crude lettering indicate that this argenteus of Maximianus is not an official product of the Rome mint but is rather a contemporary counterfeit copied from an official issue. This is actually a very rare coin. In nearly thirty years of cataloguing, this cataloguer has never encountered in hand an imitation argenteus.