In around 340 AD, Emperor Constans, a son of Constantine the Great, had a series of large silver coins struck. They weighed four siliquae – equivalent to around 13 grammes. He commissioned the coins in his own name as well as that of his elder brother, Constantius the Second. Both emperors probably handed out these silver coins as gifts to high-ranking military men and officials.
The one you see here was struck at the Thessaloniki Mint. It was discovered at the New Gate in the German city of Trier in 1635. It's the only known example on which the bust of Constantius the Second in armour and with a diadem of laurel and rosettes is shown facing left. The emperor's right hand is raised in greeting, while he holds a small globe in his left hand to symbolise world domination. The reverse shows him in military dress holding a standard. The image is surrounded by the inscription:
TRIUMFATOR GENTIUM BARBARARUM. - "Triumphal victor over barbarian peoples".
The event that inspired Emperor Constans to have this series of large silver coins struck may have been his victory over the Franks in 342 AD. However, his brother, Constantius the Second, was also at war, battling the Persians in the east of the empire – though with varying success.
The legend on the reverse generally proclaims the victorious nature of the two ruling emperors and praises them as guarantors of the Roman Empire's security.
Further Media
- Material & Technique
- silver, embossed
- Museum
- Münzkabinett
- Location & Dating
- Macedonia, n.d. (340-350)
- Inventory number
- ACB3060