Maximinus Daia
Imperator Caesar Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus Augustus
Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus, called Daia to distinguish him from other Maximini, was Galerius's nephew, appointed Caesar of the East in 305. He promoted himself to Augustus without formal sanction in 310. One of the most zealous persecutors of Christians in Roman history, he continued anti-Christian policies even after Galerius's Edict of Serdica in 311. He was finally defeated by Licinius at the Battle of Tzirallum in 313 and died fleeing, possibly by suicide or from wounds.
Maximinus Daia is a historically important figure as the most persistent persecutor of Christians among the Tetrarchs, continuing attacks even as his colleagues moved toward toleration. His defeat by Licinius opened the way for the eventual Christianisation of the empire. His coinage is historically charged and regularly available from eastern mints.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Maximinus Daia is plentiful as he controlled the wealthy eastern mints for several years. His portrait evolves from a conventional Tetrarchic type toward a more individualised image. The GENIO AVGVSTI and IOVI CONSERVATORI types dominate. Some issues include explicitly anti-Christian imagery or inscriptions, making them documents of the persecution. His Egyptian issues from Alexandria are particularly distinctive.
Denominations
Notable Types
- GENIO AVGVSTI (Genius of the Emperor)
- IOVI CONSERVATORI types
- MARTI CONSERVATORI types
- Egyptian tetradrachms from Alexandria
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VI,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume IV,