Magnus Maximus

383 - 388

It's uncertain exactly how Magnus Maximus came to power. At the time he was a general in Britain and whether by his own will or that of his troops he was hailed as emperor. Gratian moved quickly to put down the revolt and bring Maximus to justice but, his troops mutinied, switched sides and had Gratian executed instead. Maximus then sought to have his claim recognized throughout the rest of the empire and to this end he sent a delegation to the court of Theodosius. If not outright enthusiastic, Theodosius was at least initially cooperative and accepted Maximus. However, the situation changed when Maximus upset the balance of power by intending to appropriate Italy which was under the control of Valentinian II. Suddenly, Theodosius realized that Maximus was intent on becoming the sole ruler of the West and possibly the East as well. Theodosius then rescinded his recognition of Maximus and sent a large army against him. The two sides met roughly halfway between their courts and Maximus was defeated. Maximus was then captured and executed in Aquileia.

AU Solidus


RIC 2 (Treveri), Depeyrot 50/1, C 4 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: RESTITVTORREIPVBLICAE Exe: /SMTR - Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe. 387 (Treveri).


RIC 76 (Treveri) Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: RESTITVTORREIPVBLICAE Exe: /SMTR - Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe. $13,521 5/10/05.


RIC 77b (Treveri), Depeyrot 52/1, C 9 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIAAVGG Exe: TROB - Magnus Maximus and Theodosius I seated, facing, together holding globe; Victory above them, palm below. 385-386 (Treveri). $3,200 1/13/03.


RIC anecdotal (IX p.224 note 46) Obv: DNMAXIMVSPFAVS - Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: CONCORDIAAVGGGG Exe: CONOB - Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and globe.

AR Miliarense


RIC 82 (Treveri), C 19 AR Light Miliarense Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVSEXERCITVS Exe: TRPS - Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield. $1,084 11/20/00.

AR Siliqua


RIC 84b (Treveri), C 30 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVSROMANORVM Exe: TRPS - Roma seated, facing, holding globe and spear. $140 1/14/05.

AE2


RIC 26a (Arelate), C 3 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: REPARATIOREIPVB Exe: CON - Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman and Victory on globe.

AE4


RIC 29a (Arelate), LRBC 156 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SPESROMANORVM Exe: CON - Camp gate with two turrets and star above.


RIC 55a (Aquileia), LRBC 1103 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SPESROMANORVM Exe: SMAQ - Camp gate with two turrets and star above.


RIC 87a (Treveri), LRBC 156 Obv: DNMAGMAXIMVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SPESROMANORVM Exe: SMTR - Camp gate with two turrets and star above.


RIC 36v (Lugdunum) Obv: DNMAGMAXINVSPFAVG - Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SPESROMANORVM Exe: LVG - Camp gate with two turrets and star above. [Unlisted blundered legend "MAXINVS"].