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Martinian
Martinian, 324 A.D.. AE Follis, 2.44g. 21mm. Nicomedia mint. D N MARTINIANO P F AVG. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Martinian to right. Rev. Rev. IOVI CONS – ERVATORI Jupiter standing l., holding Victory on globe in r. hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in l.; at feet l. and r., eagle holding wreath in beak and captive on ground. In upper r. field, X / IIΓ.. In exergue, SMNB. C 4. RIC 46. Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 52, 1975, lot 762. Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts, New York, Auction XXV, 1990, lot 488. Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 38, 2007, lot 229. Ex: Ira and Larry Goldberg, Los Angeles, Auction February 5, 2013, lot 4218. Ex. Edward J. Waddell Inv. No. 56314. 10/24/2024.
Martinian, briefly emperor of the Western Roman Empire in 324 CE, is a minor but intriguing figure in Roman history. His reign lasted only a few months, during a period of intense civil war between two of Rome’s most influential leaders, Constantine the Great and Licinius.
Martinian served as a trusted official under Emperor Licinius, who controlled the Eastern Roman Empire. By 324, Licinius was embroiled in a struggle for supremacy against Constantine, ruler of the Western Empire. Facing repeated defeats, Licinius appointed Martinian as co-emperor, likely in a bid to consolidate power and strengthen his position in the conflict. Martinian was stationed in Lampsacus, a strategic city on the Hellespont, tasked with defending key supply routes and assisting Licinius’s forces.
Despite the strategic intent behind Martinian’s appointment, his time as emperor was short-lived. Constantine, an experienced and resourceful military leader, swiftly defeated Licinius’s forces at the Battle of Chrysopolis in 324. Martinian’s position at Lampsacus was rendered untenable, and he was captured along with Licinius. Initially spared and sent into exile in Cappadocia, Martinian’s life was ultimately cut short when Constantine ordered his execution later that year, likely to eliminate any potential threats to his sole rule over a unified empire.
Martinian’s brief reign reflects the instability of the Tetrarchic system, which had divided imperial authority among multiple rulers. By the time of his appointment, the system was collapsing under the weight of personal rivalries and civil wars. While Martinian himself played a peripheral role in these events, his rise and fall illustrate the precarious nature of power during this transformative period in Roman history. His story is a footnote to the rise of Constantine, whose victory paved the way for the Christianization of the Roman Empire and the establishment of Constantinople as its new capital.
This is the only bronze coin in the Roma Aeterna collection as bronzes due can often present various issues. But Martinian only comes in bronze. In fact, Martinian was only a recent addition to the list as he kind of falls through the cracks of history. A rare coin and in very nice condition for Martinian.