Siliqua - Constantius II VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX, Arelate
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 353-360 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Siliqua (1⁄24) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC VIII#207 |
| Obverse description | Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG (Translation: Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus (Our Lord Constantius Pious Fortunate Emperor)) |
| Reverse description | Inscription in wreath. Mintmark in exergue |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX (Translation: Vows for 30 years of rule; vows in the hope of 40 years) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
CON Arelatum / Constantina, modern-day Arles, France (313-476) |
| Mintage |
ND (353-355) - 3rd officina (TCON) - ND (353-360) - 1st officina (PCON) - ND (353-360) - 2nd officina (SCON) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1166365390 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: Constantius II, sole Augustus from 353 AD, issued this Siliqua from the Arelate mint in Gaul, a key center in post-Magnentian consolidation. The "VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX" reverse celebrates his thirtieth regnal anniversary, emphasizing imperial longevity and divine sanction during religious dispute and frontier pressures. The Siliqua, a crucial late Roman silver denomination, reflected efforts to stabilize coinage, its issuance from Arelate underscoring the mint's strategic importance.
Artistry: The artistic execution aligns with the prevailing late Roman imperial style, moving towards abstract, frontal, and hieratic portraiture on the obverse. While specific engravers for Arelate are not identifiable, the mint maintained high standards. Constantius II's bust typically presents a stylized, majestic visage, emphasizing divine authority. The reverse, primarily epigraphic within a wreath, demands precise, well-formed lettering for the "VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX" legend, a hallmark of imperial workshop artistry.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors seek exceptional clarity on both obverse and reverse. High-points include Constantius II’s eye and hair details, plus paludamentum and cuirass folds. On the reverse, legibility of every letter within the "VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX" legend and intricate wreath details are paramount. The mintmark (e.g., PCONST) must be fully struck. A well-centered strike, free from flan cracks or weaknesses, and original surface preservation are critical for premium specimens of this 2.1g, 19mm type.