Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 337-340 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Nummus / Follis (1⁄180) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.4 g |
| Diameter | 15.25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC VIII#26 , OCRE#ric.8.aq.26 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Constantius II, laureate, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
CONSTANT-IVS P F AVG (Translation: Constantius Pious and Fortunate Emperor) |
| Reverse description | Two soldiers, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, standing front, heads turned toward each another, each holding inverted spear in outer hand and resting inner hand on shield; between them, a standard. Wreath within Standard Mintmark and officina in exergue. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS (Translation: Glory of the army.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
AQ Aquileia, Italy |
| Mintage |
ND (337-340) - 1st Officina (AQP) - ND (337-340) - 2nd Officina (AQS) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1005230910 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Nummus of Constantius II, struck 337-340 AD at Aquileia, marks a pivotal period following Constantine the Great's death. Constantius II, now Augustus, navigated a complex imperial landscape. The "GLORIA EXERCITVS" (Glory of the Army) legend served as vital propaganda, emphasizing military strength and loyalty during dynastic succession and internal tensions. Aquileia, a significant northern Italian mint, played a crucial role in supplying coinage for the western Roman Empire.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the 4th-century Late Roman Imperial style, characterized by stylized, less naturalistic portraiture. While engravers are anonymous, the Constantinian aesthetic prioritizes imperial majesty over detailed realism. The obverse features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantius II. The reverse depicts two soldiers, facing each other, each holding a spear and resting on a shield, flanking a single military standard—a potent symbol of the legions' unwavering dedication.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, weighing 1.4 grams and 15.25 mm in diameter, this nummus typically exhibits characteristics of mass-produced Late Roman bronzes. Key high-points for preservation include the emperor's hair and facial features on the obverse, and the soldiers' heads, spears, and standard details on the reverse. Strike quality varies; well-centered examples with full legends and crisp details are highly sought. Flan irregularities, minor off-centering, and areas of weakness are common, reflecting the expediency of production at Aquileia.