295-299 AD. Cyzicus mint. Obv: GAL VAL MAXIMIANVS NOB CAES legend with laureate head right. Rev: GENIO AVGG ET CAESARVM N N legend with Genius standing left, holding cornucopia and patera from which liquid flows; KA in exergue; silvered. RIC vi, 9b, 11b; Sear 14342.8.43 grams. ("). Property of a Surrey collector; acquired 1990s. Born of peasant stock with little formal education, Galerius initially labored as a herdsman before joining the Roman army, where he rose rapidly through the ranks eventually becoming praetorian prefect to Diocletian. Upon the formation of the Tetrarchy, he was selected to be the eastern Caesar, not long after which he married Diocletian’s daughter. A series of military victories enhanced his influence over the tetrarchic government and Diocletian. It is believed that he was a key mover behind the Empire-wide policy of Christian persecution, begun in 303 AD. His later mismanagement of the tetrarchic system of government caused great unrest. Galerius fell seriously ill with a disease in 310 AD, from which he died in 311 AD. His reign is significant in numismatic terms for initiating a series of reductions in the size and weight of the follis. [No Reserve]