Bronze “Persecution” issue, mint of Antioch, reign of Maximinus II
310-313 AD
Obverse: GENIO ANTIOCHENI. Tyche seated, river god Orontes chilling at her feet.
Reverse: APPOLONI SANCTO Apollo holding lyre
16mm, 1.73 grams
J. Van Heesch published an article going in depth on this coin type. During the reign of Diocletian the Christians were persecuted. The peak of this persecution happened in major cities like Nicomedia, Antioch and Alexandra. These coins were issued that paid homage to the old gods -- Jupiter, Apollo, etc. The persecution ended around 313 AD. Great type from the historical arc of Christianity.