Siliqua - Constantius II VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX, Arelate

Эмитент Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Год 353-360
Тип Standard circulation coin
Номинал Siliqua (1⁄24)
Валюта Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395)
Состав Silver
Вес 2.1 g
Диаметр 19 mm
Толщина
Форма Round (irregular)
Техника Hammered
Ориентация Variable alignment ↺
Гравёр(ы)
В обращении до
Каталожные номера RIC VIII#207
Описание аверса Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
Письменность аверса Latin
Надписи аверса DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG
(Translation: Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus (Our Lord Constantius Pious Fortunate Emperor))
Описание реверса Inscription in wreath. Mintmark in exergue
Письменность реверса Latin
Надписи реверса VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX
(Translation: Vows for 30 years of rule; vows in the hope of 40 years)
Гурт
Монетный двор CON
Arelatum / Constantina, modern-day
Arles, France (313-476)
Тираж ND (353-355) - 3rd officina (TCON) -
ND (353-360) - 1st officina (PCON) -
ND (353-360) - 2nd officina (SCON) -
ID Numisquare 1166365390
Дополнительная информация

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.

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