Cohen VII, Constantius II 455 no. 104; Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 3986.

1986.17

Bronze coin of Constantius II, reign of Constantine

2.33 g. AD 330-335

Obv.: Head of Constantius, diademed, r. FL(auius) IVL(ius) CONSTANTIVS NOB(ilissimus) C(aesar)

Rev.: Two soldiers facing each other, each holding reversed spear and resting other hand on shield set on the ground; two military standards between them. GLORIA EXERCITVS (‘glory of the army’).

Constantius, third of four sons of the emperor Constantine, became Caesar in AD 324. Coins with this reverse legend were minted by Constantine in the latter years of his reign, from AD 330 until his death in 337. After AD 335, these coins had only one military standard on the reverse.

The family name of Constantine and his sons was ‘Flauius’. The reason for the use of ‘Iulius’ is unclear: perhaps an echo of the first imperial dynasty?

The coin is badly worn, so it is not possible to discern the mint mark or details on the standards. Some of these reverses had a labarum on the standards (rich embroidery of crown, cross, and Christogram) under which Constantine is said to have fought against Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (and often associated with his ‘conversion’ to Christianity).

Cohen VII, Constantius II 455 no. 104; Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 3986.