Important Emperors Roman Empire 285-304 AD Diocletian Gold Aureus NGC MS 5 3

Diocletian Gold Aureus, 4.56g. Rev Jupiter holding Victory. Among the most important Emperors of the Roman Empire. Half the old town of Split, Croatia is on the grounds of his palace!

Diocletian came to power and ended what was known as the Crisis of the Third Century, a period in which the Roman Empire nearly collapsed. It began in 235 AD with the assassination of Severus Alexander and the following 50 years would lead to barbarian invasions, migration, civil war, rebellion, and total instability within the Empire. By 268 AD, the empire had split into three different states, the Gallic Empire, the Palmyrene Empire, and the Italian Roman Empire proper.

It was from this point that Aurelian reformed the empire militarily and from there Diocletian was responsible for restructuring the Roman imperial government in 284 AD, which ultimately lead to the stabilization of the Empire for the next 150 years. With his power he separated and enlarged the civil and military services and eventually elevated himself to Autocratic power – total control of the government. He would continue to rule until 305AD where he would fall ill and become the first Roman emperor to abdicate the position voluntarily, living his final years in his palace in the now modern-day city of Split, Croatia. The palace actually took up about half the old town of Split and its remnants can be seen by visitors today.

This coin depicts Jupiter, King of the Gods, on the reverse, holding victory – a substantial statement about Diocletian’s ability to reunite the empire politically. It has beautiful luster and incredible detail – with gorgeous facial distinctions and a with a perfect strike evidenced by its brilliant centering it certainly encapsulates Diocletian as Caesar. Undoubtedly one of the most important figures in the long-term sustainability of the Roman Empire.