Maximinus II                308 - 313 A.D.

The nephew of Galerius, Maximinus "Daia" was chosen as his eastern Caesar under the shaky Tetrarchy of Diocletian. He was sent to oversee Syria and Egypt where he awaited his turn at being emperor of the east half of the empire. Unfortunately for him, the western Caesar, Severus II, was defeated by the usurper Maxentius. This in turn forced Galerius to name Licinius as his replacement. Galerius died in 311 and Licinius, not Maximinus, was elevated to Augustus totally sidelining Maximinus who was the senior Caesar. Maximinus was upset about this, to say the least, but somehow or other he and Licinius patched up their differences and the status quo was preserved for the time being.

Licinius would then stir up trouble again, however, by aligning himself with Constantine who would then go on to defeat the forces of Maximian and Maxentius (a secret ally of Maximinus). Maximinus could bear no more and realized that he was probably next on the chopping block. Taking the initiative, he went on the warpath and declared war on Licinius. Licinius had the upper hand militarily though and was able to defeat him in two separate battles. Maximinus was killed or committed suicide and Licinius had his family executed as well.

Obv-GALVALMAXIMINVSNOBCAES Laureate, draped bust right. Rev-GENIOCAESARIS Genius standing left holding patera and cornucopiae. CMH in ex. RIC 56	Obv-GALVALMAXIMINVSNOBCAES Laureate, draped bust right. Rev-GENIOCAESARIS Genius standing left holding patera and cornucopiae. RIC 56	Obv-IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS PF AVG Laureate head right. Rev-GENIO AV-GVSTI CMH Genius standing left with patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left. SMNA in ex. RIC 66c	Obv-GAL VAL MAXIMINVS NOB CAES Laureate head right. Rev-VIRTVTI EXERCITVS Mars advancing right, carrying spear and trophy, Gamma in left field, MKV in ex.