Siliqua - Constantius II VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX, Arelate

Đơn vị phát hành Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Năm 353-360
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Siliqua (1⁄24)
Tiền tệ Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395)
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 2.1 g
Đường kính 19 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo RIC VIII#207
Mô tả mặt trước Pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG
(Translation: Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus (Our Lord Constantius Pious Fortunate Emperor))
Mô tả mặt sau Inscription in wreath. Mintmark in exergue
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX
(Translation: Vows for 30 years of rule; vows in the hope of 40 years)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc CON
Arelatum / Constantina, modern-day
Arles, France (313-476)
Số lượng đúc ND (353-355) - 3rd officina (TCON) -
ND (353-360) - 1st officina (PCON) -
ND (353-360) - 2nd officina (SCON) -
ID Numisquare 1166365390
Thông tin bổ sung

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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