Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 330-331 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Nummus / Follis (1⁄180) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.04 g |
| Diameter | 16.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC VII#521 , OCRE#ric.7.tri.521 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Constantius II, laureate, cuirassed, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C (Translation: Flavius Julius Constantius most noble Caesar.) |
| Reverse description | Two soldiers, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, standing facing each other, each holding spear in outer hand and resting inner hand on shield; between them, two standards. Trier mintmark and officina in exergue. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS (Translation: Glory of the Army.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
TR Augusta Treverorum / Treveri,modern-day Trier, Germany |
| Mintage |
ND (330-331) - 1st Officina (TRP) - ND (330-331) - 2nd Officina (TRS) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1007094160 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Nummus, struck between 330-331 AD, falls within the Constantinian dynasty, during Constantius II's tenure as Caesar under his father, Constantine the Great. This era marked the consolidation of Constantinian power following the defeat of Licinius and the dedication of Constantinople in 330 AD. The ubiquitous GLORIA EXERCITVS (Glory of the Army) reverse type underscored the military's vital role and loyalty in maintaining the unified Roman Empire's stability, a cornerstone of Constantinian imperial ideology.
Artistry: The anonymous engravers at the Treveri mint operated within the late Roman Constantinian stylistic school. This artistic approach favored a more abstract, frontal, and hieratic representation, emphasizing imperial majesty over classical realism. The obverse typically presents a simplified imperial bust. The reverse design, featuring two military standards, symbolizes the army's presence and allegiance. This functional clarity, devoid of intricate detail, reflects the period's symbolic rather than naturalistic artistic priorities in conveying imperial messages.
Technical/Grading: This bronze Nummus typically exhibits variable strike quality. Key high-points for wear assessment on the obverse include the emperor's hair, nose, and the highest points of the drapery or cuirass. On the reverse, the tops of the standards, vexillum banners, and the GLORIA EXERCITVS legend are crucial. Late Roman bronzes often display irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and evidence of worn dies, leading to some flatness. A well-centered strike with full legends and device details significantly enhances desirability for this common type.