DISCOVERART

Ancient Roman

Coin Portraying Emperor Maximianus

287-288
Billon

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the head of emperor Maximianus, facing to the right. The back (reverse) depicts Elpis, the personification of hope, standing to the left, wearing a chiton and himation. She holds a flower and raises the hem of her skirt. The date this coin was struck is indicated in the obverse inscription " L B ", which means the second year of Maximianus's reign, or 287-288 CE. Maximianus reigned as emperor from 286-305 CE.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Ancient Roman

Intaglio Depicting a HorseIntaglio Depicting a HorseStatue of a Seated WomanStatue of a Seated WomanPair of EarringsPair of EarringsNecklaceNecklaceStatue of MeleagerStatue of MeleagerMosaic Floor Panel Depicting a Bound RoosterMosaic Floor Panel Depicting a Bound RoosterStatuette of VenusStatuette of VenusStatuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a SerpentStatuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a Serpent

More like this

Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Emperor HadrianAncient Egyptian — Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Emperor HadCoin Depicting the God ApolloAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the God ApolloCoin Portraying an EmperorAncient Greek — Coin Portraying an EmperorCoin Depicting the Hero HeraklesAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the Hero HeraklesCoin Depicting a Female HeadAncient Greek — Coin Depicting a Female HeadCoin Depicting the Hero HeraklesAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the Hero HeraklesCoin Depicting the God Apollo and the Goddess ArtemisAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the God Apollo and the GoddesCoin Depicting the God ApolloAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the God ApolloCoin Depicting the Hero PerseusAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the Hero PerseusCoin Depicting the Hero HeraklesAncient Greek — Coin Depicting the Hero HeraklesCoin Depicting Bust of DionysosAncient Greek — Coin Depicting Bust of DionysosCoin Depicting the God Zeus (?)Ancient Greek — Coin Depicting the God Zeus (?)