Diocletian Follis

Diocletian, Roman Emperor from 284 to 305 AD, is renowned for instituting significant administrative reforms known as the Tetrarchy, dividing power between four rulers. During his reign, the Roman currency underwent transformations, with the introduction of the follis, a large bronze coin.

The follis that you see here was minted during Diocletian's reign, it bears the obverse inscription "IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG" with a laureate head facing right, depicting the emperor's authority and divine favor. On the reverse, it features "GENIO POPVLI ROMANI" with Genius standing left, symbolizing the spirit of the Roman people, holding a cornucopia and sacrificing with a patera, indicative of prosperity and civic devotion under Diocletian's rule.