Maximus

Following the usurpation of Constantine III, Spain was caught in the difficult decision of whether to support the insurgency or remain loyal to Rome. Constantine III abandoned Britain carrying with him most of his forces to settle in Gaul so as to consolidate his power base in the region. He sent a detachment into Spain and the province readily seceded and sided with Constantine. However, the occupying forces of Constantine in Spain soon faced internal power struggles with local barbarian tribes. When word of this strife reached Constantine a delegation was sent to Spain to intervene. Gerontius, leader of the occupying forces, feared that this delegation was nothing but a secondary force sent for his own head. In a pre-emptive move he elevated one of his handpicked men, Maximus, who was possibly his own son, to Augustus.

Maximus and Gerontius then went on the offensive and managed to capture and kill Constans, Constantine's son and co-emperor, and then went on to siege Constantine himself. However, Constantius III arrived with a much larger army and Gerontius abandoned the siege knowing that to Honorius Maximus was a usurper just as much as Constantine. They then rushed back to Spain where Gerontius was finally located by Honorius's men and committed suicide. Maximus himself escaped with his life and blended into the barbarian background. Some years later a Maximus, possibly this same one, was captured and executed for trying to instigate a rebellion.

AR Siliqua

RIC 1601, C 1 Siliqua Obv: DNMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORAAAVGGG Exe: SMB - Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear. $1,734 11/20/00.

AR Half Siliqua

Unlisted Siliqua Obv: DNMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORAAAVGGG Exe: SMB - Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear.