Constantine II, as Caesar, 316-337. Follis (Bronze, 19 mm, 3.13 g, 12 h), Constantinopolis, 326-327. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine II to right. Rev. PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS / CONS Campgate with two turrets and no doors; above, star; in field to left, Γ. RIC 20. Rare and with attractive earthen highlights. Very fine.


RIC 20 and 21 were struck exclusively in officina Γ (RIC VII added officina A, which can only be an RIC 9 coin). RIC included these types in the first 4-type emission, but they are, in fact, earlier. There is at least one obverse die match between RIC 9A and RIC 20Γ, and many similarities in engraving. It is therefore reasonable to postulate that when officina Γ began operation, some staff and dies were transferred to the new officina.