MAXENTIUS
AD 306-312
AE Follis. 6.14g, 27.4mm
MINTED: Rome mint, AD 308-310
REF: RIC VI Rome 210
OBVERSE: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right.
REVERSE: CONSERV - VRB SVAE, Roma seated facing, head left, within hexastyle temple, holding globe and sceptre; shield at base of sceptre, wreath in temple pediment, Victories as acroteria; RBS in exergue.

Notes:
Warm brown patina.  Some areas of flat striking.    
The Temple of Venus and Roma was one of the largest in Rome, and was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian and completed in AD 141.  After it was damaged by fire in AD 307, it was rebuilt by Maxentius, who commemorated his efforts on these coins.  In later centuries, its ruins were incorporated into Christian churches, the current standing one being the Santa Francesca Romana, located next to the Roman Forum. 
 
Historical Notes: 
Maxentius, despite being the son of Emperor Maximianus, was not recognized with an official position or given any power when the Second Tetrarchy was formed in 305. The snub, inflicted upon him chiefly by Galerius, one of the new senior emperors, resulted in his rebellion in 306. From his base at Rome, Maxentius consolidated his control over Italy and Africa, first defeating an army sent against him under Emperor Severus II, and later, with the support of his father Maximianus, also repulsing an army under the command of Galerius himself. Maxentius soon fell out with his father, but continued to hold on to his rule for a number of years. His luck eventually ran out when he found himself pitted against his brother-in-law, Constantine I, also the son of a former emperor. At the Battle of Milvian Bridge outside the city of Rome on 28 October 312, Constantine's legions routed those of Maxentius, and in the chaos of his army's retreat, Maxentius drowned in the Tiber river.