Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius, son of Maximian Herculius proclaimed himself Augustus in AD 306. His rebellion started the disintegration of the tetrarchic system. During AD 308 Maxentius gained control of the mint at Ticinum and issued folles bearing the reverse type legend CONSERVATORES VRB SVAE, stressing his role as protector of Rome. Maxentius added and restored many buildings in the city, i.e. the temple of Roma - the reverse type of the follis above celebrates the rebuilding of this temple. Maxentius was a popular leader, however, in AD 308 he was declared an enemy of the state and defeated in AD 312 by Constantine at the battle of the Milvian bridge. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle.

On coins Maxentius is usually depicted wearing comma shaped locks over his forehead - the short military coiffure of the soldier-emperors. The locks are intended to recall the hair styles of both Augustus and Trajan. Maxentius is shown with a low forehead, wide eyes, long arching brows, a long aquiline nose, a closely cropped beard and a firm chin.

Obv. Maxentius laureate right, IMP. C. MAXENTIVS P. F. AVG.
Rev. Roma facing, seated, in hexastyle temple, knobs as acroteria, CONSRV. VRB. SVAE, in ex. R. B. Q.