Ancient Roman Bronze Coin of Emperor Maximinus II Daza (Last Pagan Emperor of the Tetrarchy)

Own a Bronze Coin from the Last Emperor to Actively Persecute Christians Before Constantine Changed Everything

A real bronze follis of Maximinus II Daza — the eastern Augustus who intensified anti-Christian persecution even as Galerius was issuing his Edict of Toleration, who declared himself Augustus in defiance of the Tetrarchic system, and who was defeated by Licinius at Tzirallum in AD 313 — the final year that systematic Christian persecution was possible in the Roman Empire. NGC certified.

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✝ The last emperor to actively persecute Christians — issuing edicts demanding sacrifice to Roman gods even as other emperors moved toward toleration
🏛 Reverse depicts Jupiter, Sol, Mars, or imperial virtue personifications — pagan imagery from the final defender of traditional Roman religion before Constantine's transformation
🤲 Struck AD 311–313 — the closing years of systematic anti-Christian policy, ending with his defeat at Tzirallum and death at Tarsus. NGC certified.

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Maximinus II Daza was appointed Caesar under Galerius in AD 305 as part of Diocletian's Tetrarchic succession plan, receiving the eastern provinces of Asia Minor and Egypt. When Galerius issued his Edict of Toleration in AD 311, formally ending the Great Persecution and acknowledging Christianity as a legitimate religion, Maximinus was unenthusiastic at best. He implemented the edict's letter while undermining its spirit — reorganizing pagan priesthoods into a more hierarchical structure modeled on Christian organization, commissioning anti-Christian propaganda, and continuing to pressure provincial officials to enforce sacrifice requirements.

When Galerius died in AD 311, Maximinus moved quickly to extend his territory and declare himself Augustus — defying the Tetrarchic succession system that had nominally governed imperial appointments. He was now in direct conflict with Licinius in the east, even as Constantine was consolidating the west. The religious dimension of these conflicts was increasingly explicit: Maximinus maintained his traditional pagan policies while Constantine and Licinius were moving toward the Edict of Milan in AD 313 that would cement Christian toleration throughout the empire.

The end came at the Battle of Tzirallum in AD 313 — Licinius defeated Maximinus, who fled to Tarsus in modern Turkey where he died shortly afterward, either by suicide or illness. His defeat closed the door permanently on systematic imperial persecution of Christianity. This bronze follis, struck during his final years as eastern Augustus between AD 311 and 313, circulated during the last moment when a Roman emperor could plausibly hope to eliminate Christianity through state power. Certified by NGC.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of Tetrarchy collapse era, eastern Augustus, and Roman bronze folles
• History lovers drawn to Maximinus II, the final Christian persecutions, and the Edict of Milan
• Pagan Roman religion, Jupiter and Sol reverse types, and NGC certified late Roman bronze enthusiasts
• Anyone seeking a coin from the last emperor who actively fought Christianity before Constantine made that fight impossible

What You'll Receive

• One authentic bronze follis of Maximinus II Daza
• Denomination: Follis or reduced follis (AE1/2 — medium late Roman bronze)
• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Struck AD 311–313 — similar to examples shown (each coin is unique)

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• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
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