Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.51 g, 12 h), Antiochia, 355-361. 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 right and spearing a fallen foe, on his left shoulder. Rev. GLORIA REI PVBLICAE / SMANH 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 10/1. RIC 165. A magnificent example, perfectly centered, lustrous, and with a particularly elaborate military bust of exceptionally fine style. Very light die wear on the obverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.



This magnificent portrait of Constantius II is among the most impressive imperial portraits of Late Antiquity. The finely executed bust is remarkable not only for its richly detailed cuirass and splendid arm-guard, but above all for the sumptuous parade helmet with its elaborate plume, terminal feather, and laurel wreath. The crest, rising in multiple tiers of feathers, reflects the engraver’s remarkable attention to detail. Interestingly, this style of helmet appears on several dies, yet all of them were employed only in the 8th officina. Perhaps the engraver (or engravers?) was afforded a glimpse of Constantius II’s own ornate parade helmet during an imperial procession, and sought to reproduce it as faithfully as possible.

Archaeological finds provide parallels in parade helmets likely worn by officers, such as a cavalry helmet dated to circa 150-250 discovered in the Iciniacum (Theilenhofen) fortress on the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes. If even these officers’ helmets impress with their elaborate workmanship, how much more resplendent must have been the helmet with which Constantius II – ruler of the orbis terrarum, renowned for his emphasis on display and exaltation – revealed himself to his subjects?