Lot description:
Constantine II, as Caesar, 316-337. Follis (Silvered bronze, 19 mm, 3.23 g, 6 h), Nicomedia, 328-329. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine II to right. Rev. PROVIDEN-TIAE CAES• / SMNA Campgate with two turrets and no doors; above, star. RIC -, cf. 157 (differing bust type). Apparently unpublished and with an interesting rendering of the diadem. Very minor porosity, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the collection of Dr. L. Ramskold, formed since 1969.
RIC only included bare-headed busts for the Caesars for this emission, but this piece shows Constantine II with a plain diadem. Several such examples are also known for Constantius II. They probably reflect some uncertainty on the mint's part on how to portray the Caesars at a time when Constantine and the court were still on their way to Nicomedia on the return journey from Rome in 327.
Starting price: 75 CHF | |