Double aureus of Maxentius Obverse

This coin bears a spectacular portrait of Maxentius, one of several emperors who vied for power in the turbulent years following the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian in 305. On 28 October 312, Maxentius was defeated by Constantine I at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge and died during his retreat. After this victory, Constantine I issued a damnatio memoriae against Maxentius, so coins are one of the few surviving material traces of his life.
The aesthetic of this coin, leaning towards geometric forms, clearly illustrates the changing trends in Roman art, which at this time was beginning to embrace the influence of Neoplatonism, a school of thought that believed the physical image was not a true representation of a person. Consequently, the emperor’s effigy became, first and foremost, a symbol of his authority.
This rare double aureus, a large and quite valuable piece, is an example of a prestige issue, coins minted for use as diplomatic presents or gifts to high-ranking individuals.