Constantine I, 307/310-337. Follis (Bronze, 19 mm, 2.45 g, 12 h), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Arelate, irregular mint, after 324. CONSTAN-TINVS AVG Laureate head of Constantine I to right. Rev. PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG / T✱AR Campgate with no doors and four turrets; above, star. Cf. RIC 264 (for prototype). Slightly rough and the reverse a bit weak, otherwise, good very fine.


The style of this coin is clearly unofficial, indicating that it is a contemporary 'barbarous' imitation. It is similar to RIC 264 (Arelate) but from unlisted officina T, an officina normally reserved for the Caesars. The portrait is of Treveran style, however, and does not fit well with Arelate. In addition, the row of dots on the camp gate is never present in the official emission. The reverse is a die match to another coin - Failmetzger 2002, Pl. 24, 353ACI - showing Constantine I with bust B5.