290-294 AD. Antioch mint. Obv: IMP C M AVR VAL MAXIMIANVS PF AVG legend with radiate and cuirassed bust right. Rev: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG legend with Jupiter standing to right holding sceptre and orb facing Hercules standing to left holding Victory and club; A in field between; XXI· in exergue. RIC v (ii), 622; Sear 13134.3.00 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Born of humble parentage, Maximian joined the ranks of the Roman army and led a distinguished career under the emperors Aurelian and Probus. He was later promoted to co-emperor by Diocletian in 286 AD, when he became associated with the god Herculius (Hercules), in order to strengthen his new authority. In conformity to Diocletian's tetrarchic plan, and out of loyalty to his friend the emperor, Maximian abdicated in 305 AD, as planned, retiring to his villa. Following a later series of failed attempts to regain his power, Maximian committed suicide. [No Reserve]