Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.62 g, 6 h), Aquileia, 353-355. FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust of Constantius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear over his shoulder in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with a horseman galloping left and spearing a fallen foe, on his left shoulder. Rev. GLORIA REI PVBLICAE / SMAQ Roma, helmeted, seated facing on the left, holding spear in her left hand, and Constantinopolis, turreted, seated to left with her right foot on prow on the right, holding scepter in her left hand, supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX. Depeyrot 9/2. Paolucci & Zub 442. RIC 180 corr. (shield decoration). Extremely rare and arguably the finest known example. A fresh and lustrous piece, perfectly centered and with a portrait of distinctive style. A few faint marks and the reverse a bit weak, otherwise, virtually as struck.


Depeyrot records 24 examples of the normal right-facing bust at Aquileia, yet only three with the frontal portrait. The present magnificent specimen appears to be the first to have come to public auction in the past three decades - and is very likely the finest known example.