Obverse: Laureate head of Emperor Maximinus facing right. Legend: GAL VAL MAXIMINVS NOB C.
Reverse: Genius, half naked and wearing modius, standing left, holding cornucopia and patera. Legend: GENIO CAESARIS.
Legend: Maximinus II was Roman Emperor from 308 to 313. He was born of Dacian peasant stock to the sister of the emperor Galerius. He rose to high distinction after joining the army. In 305, his maternal uncle Galerius became the eastern Augustus and adopted Maximinus, raising him to the rank of Caesar and granting him the government of Syria and Egypt. He became embroiled in the civil wars of the Tetrarchy, in which he was eventually defeated by Licinius. A committed pagan, he engaged in one of the last persecutions of Christians.
The Genius was regarded as a higher power that creates and maintains life, determines character, and accompanies every man through life as a tutelary spirit. A man's birthday was the holiday of his attendant Genius, to whom he offered incense, wine, and cakes. The Romans spoke of enjoying oneself as "indulging one's Genius." Men swore by their Genius as by their higher self, and by the Genius of those they honored.
- Composition: Bronze
- Denomination: Follis
- Date: AD 305–308
