Post-reform radiate explained

The post-reform radiate (the Latin name, like many Roman coins of this time, is unknown), was a Roman coin first issued by Diocletian during his currency reforms. The radiate looked very similar to the antoninianus (pre-reform radiate), with a radiate crown, similar to the one worn by the Roman deity, Sol Invictus. It is different from the Antoninianus because of the absence of the "XXI" that existed on pre-reform radiates, a symbol believed to have indicated a consistence of 20 parts bronze to 1 part silver. The post-reform radiate had little or no silver content. The weight can vary between 2.23[1] and 3.44 grams.[2]

There also exists radiates of Maximian, Constantius I, and Galerius, Diocletian's co-rulers, in the same style.

See also

References

  1. Web site: Archived copy . 2006-09-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20050228225704/http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/diocletian/_cyzicus_RIC_015a.5.txt . 2005-02-28 . retrieved 13 sept 2006
  2. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/diocletian/_cyzicus_RIC_015a.txt

Bibliography