Constantine I, 307/310-337. Follis (Bronze, 18 mm, 2.50 g, 3 h), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Thessalonica, irregular mint, after 318. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Constantine I to left; around, imitative legend formed out of fourteen Π. Rev. XXXX / XXXXX / XXXX in three lines; in background, elongated symmetrical volute; all within stylized wreath. A heavily stylized piece with a beautifully designed gemotric reverse. Somewhat smoothed, otherwise, very fine.


This contemporary 'barbarous' imitation copies a Thessalonica emission of 318-319, but is almost celticized in style. For both dies, the legends have been produced with punches, an angled C for the obverse, and an X for the reverse. To produce the larger X in the center of the reverse, the punch was simply struck harder.