Roman Empire, Constantius II, as Augustus (AD 337-361), AV Solidus, FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG,

Description

**Roman Empire, Constantius II (AD 337-361)**
**AV Solidus**

**Obverse:**
– **Legend:** FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG
– **Design:** Helmeted and diademed bust of Constantius II facing, draped and cuirassed, holding a spear in his right hand and an ornamented shield in his left.
– **Details:** The bust of Constantius II is shown in profile, emphasizing his role as Augustus. His attire includes a helmet and diadem, signifying his imperial status, while his cuirass and shield denote military authority.

**Reverse:**
– **Legend:** GLORIA REI PVBLICAE
– **Design:** Roma and Constantinople facing one another. Roma, wearing a helmet, is kneeling right and Constantinople, wearing a turreted crown, is seated left with a foot on a prow. Between them is a shield bearing the legend VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX (Vota XX, Multa XXX, indicating 20 years and many more years of service).
– **Details:** The reverse symbolizes the glory of the Roman state and its major cities, with Roma representing the traditional capital and Constantinople symbolizing the new imperial capital. The shield’s inscription reflects the emperor’s votive offerings for a long reign.

**Mintmark:**
– **SMNB** (Sirmium mint, second officina).

**Condition:**
– **Weight and Size:** Typical for solidi of this era, though specifics not provided.
– **Characteristics:** Lightly scratched with some deposits to the lower reaches of the design. Despite these issues, the coin remains detailed and lustrous, indicating it is in about very fine to very fine condition.

**Historical Context:**
This solidus was struck during the reign of Constantius II, a key figure in the Constantinian dynasty and a staunch supporter of the Nicene Creed. His reign was marked by internal consolidation and military campaigns, particularly against the Sassanid Empire. The coin’s design reflects the importance placed on the stability and unity of the empire, highlighting both the traditional and new capitals of the Roman world.

**Provenance:**
– Purchased from Spink, with ticket.