IOVI CONSERVATORI Variations

A common Roman coin reverse type in the late third century and early fourth century has the legend IOVI CONSERVATORI and shows Jupiter standing, leaning on a scepter. Other aspects of the design change, however, as shown by the coins below.

This antoninianus of Diocletian (284-305) shows Jupiter, looking left, and holding a thunderbolt.

RIC V 270 (Siscia), 287 AD

A second antoninianus of Diocletian again shows Jupiter holding a thunderbolt, but he is now looking right, has two military standards behind him, and an eagle at his feet.

RIC V 228 (Ticinum), 290-292 AD

Licinius (308-324), also struck the IOVI CONSERVATORI type. This follis shows Jupiter holding a globe instead of a thunderbolt, and a wreath is at his feet instead of an eagle.

RIC VI 49 (Thessalonica), ca. 312 AD

A very common style of this reverse is shown on this second follis of Licinius. Jupiter now holds a palladium (a globe, but Victory now on top of it). At his feet, instead of an eagle or wreath, it is an eagle holding a wreath in its beak.

RIC VII 15 (Nikomedia), 313-317 AD

This Æ3 of Constantine (307-337) replaces the eagle with a palm frond.

RIC VII 23 (Nikomedia), 317-320 AD

This Æ3 of Crispus (317-326) replaces the eagle with a kneeling captive barbarian.

RIC VII 28 (Antioch), 317-320 AD

Struck during the same time period and at the same mint, this Licnius II Æ is standing rather than kneeling.

RIC VII 29 (Antioch), 317-320 AD

This Licinius half follis has most everything - the palladium, an eagle with a wreath in its beak, and a captive on the right.

RIC VII 52 (Heraclea), 321-324 AD

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