Roman Empire Maxentius BI Reduced Nummus

Date: 307–312 AD

Emperor: Maxentius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius)

Denomination: BI Reduced Nummus (small bronze, part of the late Roman “nummus” system; typically 10–12 mm, very light weight)

Composition: Bronze, sometimes with faint silvering

Mint: Ticinum (modern Pavia, northern Italy)

Obverse: Bust of Maxentius right, usually diademed and draped; legend typically IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG (“Imperator Caesar Maxentius, Pious and Fortunate Augustus”).

Reverse: Campgate type or Victory/Standard types common for late Roman reduced nummi. Specific workshop variations exist; the design is simplified due to small size.

Maxentius ruled the Western Roman Empire from 306–312 AD, challenging Constantine in Italy. The reduced nummus reflects the empire’s ongoing monetary debasement and the need for small denominations for everyday transactions. Ticinum was a key mint in northern Italy supplying coins to Maxentius’s territories.

Maxentius’s reign ended after his defeat by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.