Lot 334: Maxentius. A.D. 306-312. Æ follis. Ostia, A.D. 308/9. Fleur de Coin. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 16 (Auction 319)
- Sold Winning Bid: $930
- 23 Bid(s)
Maxentius. A.D. 306-312. Æ follis (25 mm, 6.83 g, 12 h). Ostia, A.D. 308/9. IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head of Maxentius right / AETE-RNITAS AVG N, the Dioscuri standing facing, heads turned toward one another, each holding bridle of horse and scepter; between, she-wolf standing left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; MOSTΔ. RIC 16. Magnificently centered on both sides. Attractive light golden toning of subdued partial silvering over pleasing brown patina. Fleur de coin.
In sixteen auctions and over 4000 coins sold, this is the first coin that we have graded fleur de coin. Of course, one may nitpick it, noting a couple of weakly struck letters in the obverse legend and the flatness in the strike of one of the Dioscuri. These are certainly arguable points from a technical perspective. However, for anyone who truly understands late Roman folles, and especially for someone familiar with Maxentius' coinage, they should recognize that his folles just don't come any nicer than this coin. It is exceptional in every conceivable way.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 334
- Listing #: 237204
- Closed: Friday, June 3, 2016 7:46:30 PM CT
- Estimate: $200