1323.  DIOCLETIAN . 284-305  AD. AV  Aureus (5.12  gm). Struck  286-287 AD.
Cyzicus mint. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind /
FATIS VICTRICIBVS,  the Parcae  standing facing, holding  three cornucopiae
and two rudders; */SC. RIC V pt. 2, 294 var. (no star); Depeyrot 6/2; Cohen
283. Good  VF, bump across laurel  wreath and eye, other  minor marks. Very
rare variety with the star, only one specimen cited by Depeyrot! ($2000)

The Parcae, individually Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, were the daughters
of Erebus (Night). The Romans generally referred to them as Fata, or Fate,
and together they were responsible for human destiny - the first held the
distaff from which the thread of life was woven, the second spun it to the
appropriate length, the third cut it at the appointed time. The remarkable
reverse legend, FATIS VICTRICIBVS, declares that destiny is left "to the
victorious Fates."


CNG Mail bid sale #58, 18 Sept 2001, lot 1323.
 
 Lot sold for $2000.


Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com