Constantius II, 337-361. Medallion (Bronze, 34 mm, 18.38 g, 6 h), Rome, spring-3 June 350 (?). D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG Rosette-diademed bust of Constantius II to left, wearing imperial mantle and chlamys and raising his right hand in salute. Rev. VICTORIA• - AVGVSTORVM Constantius II, on the right, standing front, head to left, in military attire, holding olive branch in his right hand and spear in his left; on the left, Victory standing facing, head to right, holding palm frond in her right hand and placing her left arm around the emperor's shoulders. Froehner p. 309. Gnecchi II, 35 and pl. 137, 5 (same dies). Ntantalia 133 (V95/R88). RIC 409. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. A spectacular medallion with an impressive portrait and a very attractive reverse. Minor traces of cleaning, otherwise, very fine.



Kent first observed the tight die-linking among a series of medallions struck at Rome in the names of Constans, Constantius II, Magnentius, and Decentius. He suggested that our type was issued by Magnentius in the spring or summer of 350, before Nepotian’s revolt on 3 July (recently redated by Clay and Caza to May or June 351). Yet the existing die links to medallions in the names of Constans, who was killed on 18 January 350, and of Decentius, whom Magnentius made Caesar in the summer of 350 (or possibly 351), underscore the complexity of the series. This is especially so since Magnentius had revolted against Constans and would spend most of his reign at war with Constantius II.

Nevertheless, evidence suggests that Magnentius initially sought Constantius’ recognition, despite having murdered his brother. Striking medallions depicting both the usurper and the senior Augustus thus made political sense. The continued use of the reverse dies under shifting circumstances - first, for the co-rule of Constantius II and Constans; then, in the early months of Magnentius’ rule, for Constantius II and Magnentius; and finally, for Magnentius and his Caesar Decentius - illustrates how the Roman mint adapted during this turbulent period. Ultimately, Constantius II emerged victorious in the epic struggle between East and West, defeating and killing Magnentius in August 353.