This particular coin - a follis - was struck in early 312 AD in Nicomedia
Obverse: IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS PF AVG, laureate head right
Reverse: GENIO A-VGVSTI, Genius standing left, modius on head, naked, except for chlamys over left shoulder (falls low), holding patera from which liquid flows, and cornucopiae. Right field: Γ. Mintmark SMN.
SMN stands for ‘Sacra Moneta Nicomedia’ - the mint in the city of Nicomedia where this coin was struck.
The Γ in the right field is a gamma - the third letter in the Greek alphabet - and signifies that this coin was struck in the 3rd workshop in the Nicomedia mint.
I like this coin a lot because it’s in such excellent shape :) Pretty much as struck, except for the silvering which is gone.
That’s the lovely thing about 3rd and early 4th century coins, they are often available in good condition without costing a fortune :) Do you collect coins? If not, wanna start? ;)
I would honestly love to start, but my finances are currently in chaos. I’m living on ramen for the near-future, so unfortunately, there’s not much opportunity to start up any hobbies until I get that all sorted. Soon, one hopes!
Well, let me know when the time comes. I’d be happy to help you get started :)
You can collect ancient coins on most budgets, I think, although the Ramen-level-budget is probably a little restrictive…
@EvilCartyen @PugJesus @ancientcoins
This one was a ramen budget coin: https://coinofnote.com/360-a-d-rome-ae-3-fel-temp-reparatio/ as was this one: https://coinofnote.com/constantivs-ii-ivnior-vot-x-321-324/ - at least they were ~$2-$3 USD each - so not ideal if it’s that OR eat, but amazing what you can hold in your hand and learn for that little.