Ancient Coins: ROMAN IMPERIAL BRONZE: Martinian, 324 A.D. pedigreed to 1975

AE Follis, 4.08g. 21mm. Nicomedia mint. D N MARTINIANO P F AVG. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Martinian to right. Rev. IOVI CONSERVATORI; SMNB in exergue. Jupiter standing to left holding Victory on globe and scepter; eagle with wreath in beak to left; bound captive seated to right; X/II"gamma" in field to right. RIC VII, 608, 46. C 3. Dark brown patina. Rare, especially in this quality.   Dark green and brown patina.

During the second civil war in 324 between Constantine and Licinius, Martinian was appointed as a co-Augustus by Licinius and briefly held territory in Asia Minor. After the final defeat of Licinius, both emperors surrendered in Nicomedia and were promised to be spared by Constantine due to the intercession of Constantia, the wife of Licinius and half-sister of Constantine. Martinian was exiled to Cappadocia, but was later assassinated on orders from Constantine.

Provenance/Pedigrees:
Ex: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Auction 52, 1975, lot 762
Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts, New York, Auction XXV, 1990, lot 488
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 38, 2007, lot 229
Ex: Ira and Larry Goldberg, Los Angeles, Auction February 5, 2013, lot 4218.

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