Martinian (July-September AD 324). BI follis or reduced nummus (20mm, 3.32 gm, 11h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5. Nicomedia, 2nd officina. D N M MARTINIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Martinian right, seen from front / IOVI CONS-ERVATORI, Jupiter standing facing, head left, Victory right on globe in right hand, grounded scepter surmounted by eagle in left; eagle standing left, head right with wreath in beak, at feet to left, bound captive right, head left, at feet to right, X/IIΓ in right field, SMNB in exergue. RIC VII 45. All of Martinian's coins are rare and typically have surface issues, however this example is clean and attractive overall. Licinius I elevated Martinian after his loss to Constantine I at Adrianople on 3 July AD 324, to assist in the ongoing civil war and prevent Constantine from invading Asia. With no time to respond, Crispus, son of Constantine, wiped out Licinius' fleet in the Hellespont and Constantine was able to storm across the continent and crush Licinius at Chrysopolis on 18 September AD 324. Although Licinius and Martinian were initially spared, through the intervention of Constantia, Licinius' wife and Constantine's sister; both were executed soon after on charges of conspiring to raise Gothic troops.

HID09801242017

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