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| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3132 | Auction date: 29 April 2026 |
| Lot number: 31046 Price realized: 110,000 USD (Approx. 94,006 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients Constantius II, as Augustus (AD 337-361). AV medallion of 2-solidi (29mm, 8.90 gm, 5h). NGC MS 5/5 - 2/5, Fine Style, scuffs, brushed. Antioch, ca. AD 353-354. FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantius II left, seen from front / GLORIA-R-OMANORVM, Roma (on left), seated facing on throne with Constantinopolis (on right), seated left, each with Victory right on globe in outstretched right hand and spear in left hand; prow left under right foot of Constantinoplis, SMANT in exergue. RIC VIII 72. Depeyrot p. 297. An extremely rare type in miraculously pristine condition, with stunningly fine details on neatly centered dies. RIC VIII 72 cross-references to Gnecchi 18 and Cohen 131, however these refer to the type with pellets flanking the mintmark. Depeyrot cites only two examples: one from a museum collection in Oxford, the other in Königliche Münzkabinet in Berlin. The third known example has a gold bezel and was last sold by Classical Numismatic Group in Triton XXIV (19 January 2021), lot 192. This is thus the fourth known specimen of this type. In AD 350, Constans was emperor in the Western Roman Empire with Constantius II leading the Eastern Empire. Magnentius, a general who served with distinction in Gaul, was elevated by the army as a replacement for the unpopular emperor Constans. Acclaimed Augustus on 18 January 350, Magnentius quickly killed Constans and gained control over most of the Western Empire. While Magnentius was gaining control over Britannia, Gaul, Hispania, Africa, and Italy, Constantius II apparently recognized two other usurpations to help stem some of Magnentius' progress - Nepotian in Rome, and Vetranio in Siscia. Neither lasted past the end of the year in AD 350, forcing Constantius II to appoint his cousin, Constantius Gallus, as Caesar in the East. While Gallus dealt with the Persians, Constantius II headed west to put down the rebellion and restore order. Magnentius committed suicide on 10 August AD 353, after a decisive loss at the Battle of Mons Seleucus, ending the revolt. The conclusion of the revolt of Magnentius was the occasion for the minting of these very rare commemorative medallions. The presence of Rome sitting side-by-side with Constantinople suggests a reunion of the Eastern and Western Empires, and was used on coins of both Constantius and Gallus. However, the restoration was short-lived. By AD 354, Constantius learned that Gallus had begun passing some laws, regardless of the opinion of the Senate, and was executing innocent wealthy citizens for practicing magic to confiscate their wealth. He became such a liability that he was executed on imperial orders, leaving Constantius II as the sole Roman emperor. www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/roman-imperial-constantius-ii-as-augustus-ad-337-361-av-medallion-of-2-solidi-29mm-890-gm-5h-ngc-ms-5-5-2/a/3132-31046.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3132-04292026 HID02906262019 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Certification number: NGC 8748178001 Estimate: 50000-100000 USD |  |
