NEWPs: Constantine - One for the reverse and one for the obverse

Zohar

These floated on Heritage's weekly. Common coins, yet stood out for the details and eye appeal. The first of Constantine I - the stunning reverse with Jupiter holding Victory, the other Constantine II with the super sharp and artistic cuirassed bust. I guess I am drawn to the artistic design work without any rhyme or reason.

Constantine I (AD 307-337). BIL follis (3.37 gm). Siscia. ca. 313-315. Laureate head right / Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe, eagle before. RIC 5. NGC MS 5/5 - 5/5.





Constantine II (AD 337-340). BIL re-reduced centenionalis (1.76 gm). Siscia. Laurel- and rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Two soldiers standing to front, heads turned inward, one fixed signum between, Chi-Rho on vexillum. RIC 96. NGC MS* 4/5 - 5/5.

NiceCurrency

While these may be common coins you would be hard pressed to find nicer examples, well centered and deeply struck, one wonders if someone employed a time machine to capture these coins

JCMhouston

Very nice Z.

Iosephus

Very nice! I like the reverse on the Constantine I piece.

zompels

Wonderful Portraits. Very nice pieces. Well done

Aethelred

You are putting together a nice hoard of 4th Century bronze. After you last post you had me looking at some (gasp) NGC graded ancients from this era.

The early 4th Century has a lot to offer in terms of historical interest. From Constantine The Great's bloody rise to power to his treatment of his own family, the myth that he was somehow a "good" emperor is exploded. The reform of the coinage during this time is interesting as well, a collector could put together a very interesting type and/or mint set.

Zohar

There seem to be many varieties which I know little about. The state of preservation is remarkable.

Aethelred

<< <i>There seem to be many varieties which I know little about. >>



The Late Roman Bronze Coinage by Carson, Hill and Kent is a great reference.