Lot 4218
Martinian, AD 324. AE Follis (4.2g). Struck at Nicomedia, summer AD 324. Usurper in the East. D N MARTINIANO P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Martinian, right. Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI. Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and eagle-tipped scepter in left; eagle at feet to left holding wreath in beak; captive at feet to right looking back, X over ΠΓ in right field, SMNB in exergue. RIC 46 (R3). Cohen 4. Attractive green patina, and in an unusually high state of preservation for the issue. Extremely rare. Choice Very Fine or better.
Proof that history can and does repeat itself can be found in the sad tale of Martinian, a nominal puppet ruler installed by the East Roman Emperor Licinius in the midst of his second civil war against Constantine I. Martinian was of obscure origin, but by the AD 320s he had risen to become the chief minister of Licinius, just as it became apparent that a final, fatal clash with Constantine was forthcoming. Late in AD 322, Constantine's troops encroached on Licinius' territory in pursuit of Gothic raiders. Although such incursions were permitted by treaty, Licinius chose to regard this as a provocation and declared war in the spring of AD 324. With a vast army and navy, Licinius advanced into Thrace to confront Constantine, who had a somewhat smaller army based at Thessalonica. But Constantine was much the better general and inflicted a heavy defeat on his rival. Licinius fell back to Byzantium, where his fleet was smashed by a flotilla led by Constantine's eldest son Crispus. Crossing to Chalcedon, Licinius declared Constantine deposed and raised Martinian to the office of Augustus with instructions to prevent Constantine from crossing into Asia Minor. It was an impossible task from the outset; Constantine easily evaded Martinian's blocking force, landed in Asia and quickly cornered Licinius at Nicomedia. Having no choice, Licinius surrendered on terms brokered by his wife (and Constantine's sister) Constantia. A few months later, when Licinius was detected plotting a return to power, Martinian was executed.
Like those of Valerius Valens, coins of Martinian are exceedingly rare. The reverse of this coin evokes "Jupiter the Protector," Licinius' patron deity, who notably failed to protect him and Martinian from the wrath of Constantine and his Christian god. Surviving examples tend to be heavily worn or damaged, but this specimen is in an exceptional state of preservation.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 62, lot 2097; NAC 38, 2007, lot 229; Numismatic Fine Arts XXV, 1990, lot 488; SKA Berne 2, 1984, lot 611; M & M 52, 1975, lot 762.
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| Realized $14,375 |
