Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Coin, bronze follis, Constantine II; 323-324 CE; 180.96.34

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCoin, bronze follis, Constantine II

About this objectA bronze follis of Constantine II, minted in Trier between 323 and 324 CE.

Flavius Claudius Constantinus (Constantine II) was the eldest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta. Born in 316 CE, his father made him Caesar on March 1st, 317, and at the age of seven he joined his father on campaign against the Sarmatians. It was around this time that this coin was made, with a bust of the young boy wearing a laurel wreath on one side, and the other proclaiming his vows, or prayers, for 10 years rule, inside another laurel wreath. The decennial vows (10 years) date from the reign of Augustus, who first accepted government for a term of 10 years, before taking on further terms. Often these vows could be anticipated for much longer than was fulfilled, with the ruler dying before reaching that milestone.

Constantine II managed to complete his 10 year vow, becoming joint emperor with his brothers Constantius II and Constans in 337 when his father died. The brothers divided the Empire between themselves, but Constantine was unhappy with the portion he received, claiming that as older brother he should have a larger territory. Having acted as guardian to his younger brother Constans, he was unwilling to give up his control when Constans came of age. In 340 CE he invaded Italy, but he was met by the vanguard of Constans' army and was killed in battle near Aquileia, allowing Constans to gain control of his realm instead.

Date Made323-324 CE

PeriodImperial (Roman)

Place MadeGermany

Place NotesTrier Mint

Medium and MaterialsMetal: Bronze

Style and IconographyRoman

Inscription and MarksObverse:
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C
(Constantinus Iunior Nobilis[simus] Caesar)
Constantine the Younger [Most] Noble Caesar

Reverse:
VOT / X
(Votis Decennalibus)
Vows (prayers) for 10 years of rule

CAESARUVM NOSTRORVM
Our Caesars

Mint Mark: PTR
Trier Mint

TechniqueStriking (metalworking)

MeasurementsWeight 2.99g
Diameter ca. 18mm

Subject and Association KeywordsEmperors

Subject and Association KeywordsKings and rulers in art

Subject and Association KeywordsNumismatics

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Latin

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by MK Steven, 1996.

Object TypeExchange Media

Object number180.96.34