the turner
'The Turner' is our club magazine. Our Chairman, Jackie Liehne is the editor and it is published quarterly. It is available in hardcopy only and is posted to all our members. Here is a sample article from a recent edition:
the story behind the coin
Found at the 2009 Thornborough Rally, this coin gives a
glimpse into the life of Maximianus - the Emperor who wouldn't retire.
Maximianus had a convoluted reign which started when he and Diocletian
began ruling as equals in 286 AD. Maxirnianus was in charge of the western
portion of the empire along with Constantius 1st, his junior in command, while
Diocletian and his junior, Galerius, ruled the eastern half. This arrangement
was called the Tetrarchy.
After several years of putting down revolts and
usurpers, both he and Diocletian abdicated to let their Caesars take their place
in 306. However this peaceful arrangement would come to an end soon when
Maxirnianus's son Maxentius initiated a revolt of his own. Seeing that it would
lend an air of legitimacy to his claims, Maxentius requested his father to return
to assume the high post along with him. Maximianus, although possibly
reluctant initially, took up his son's offer. He had abdicated less than voluntarily
under Diocletian's scheme and now he was caught up in the fervour of
Maxentius's drive to become sole ruler.
In time, Maxentius met with failure
after he lost several key battles to Constantine and Maximianus found himself
in the awkward position of being an emperor with no rightful claim nor army
willing to back him up. Increasingly isolated, Constantine cornered him and he
was either executed or committed suicide.
This coin was struck during 305-307 to celebrate his ftrst abdication and wish
him well for the future. The reverse depicts Providentia (the diety of
forethought) extending a hand to Quies (the goddess of rest and tranquillity
- hence our word quiescent) who bears a sceptre and a laurel branch.
The story
told by the image is repeated in the legend "PROVIDENTIA DEORVM QVIES
AVGG" - OUR AUGUSTII HAD THE FORESIGHT TO RETIRE. Well more or less!
Struck at the London mint it is similar to others struck by Galerius at various
mints throughout the empire.