296 AD Emperor Diocletian Ancient Roman Gold Aureus Coin | NGC AU

A gold aureus from the Ancient Roman Empire, produced in 296 A.D. during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. This coin is professionally graded and authenticated by NGC to be in AU (About Uncirculated) condition, with light wear and a strong, well-centered strike. This listing is for the exact coin pictured. Measures 19mm in diameter, weighs 5.38g. 

This coin is unslabbed and comes with the original laminated NGC photo certificate. 

The coin's obverse features the portrait of Emperor Diocletian. The reverse side of the coin features the emperor standing and holding a globe. We can provide a transcription and translation of the inscriptions on request.

At a critical turning point in the 3rd century A.D., Emperor Diocletian helped restore stability to an empire engulfed in civil war. He appointed three co-emperors to divide and share the burden of governing the massive empire, which by 284 spanned modern-day Britain, Spain, France, Italy, North Africa, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, and much of the Middle East. He was the first ever Roman emperor to peacefully abdicate the throne, choosing to retire and live out his days in a massive villa that still stands to this day in Croatia.

If you have any questions about the coin (or about coin collecting in general), please send us a message and we'll be happy to respond.