Constantine II, as Caesar, 316-337. Medallion of 1 1/2 Solidi (Gold, 25 mm, 6.72 g, 7 h), Nicomedia, 327. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C Laureate and cuirassed bust of Constantine II to right. Rev. VIRTVS CON-STANTINI CAES / SMN Constantine II advancing right in military attire, holding transverse spear in his right hand and trophy over his left shoulder in his left; to left and right, two seated captives, looking up at the Caesar; the one on the left bareheaded, bearded and with his hands bound behind his back, the one on the right wearing Phrygian cap and in attitude of mourning. Bastien, Donativa, p. 80, note 3. Depeyrot p. 155, -. Gnecchi -. Numismatica Ars Classica 24 (2002), 294. RIC -, cf. 134 (differing bust type and mint mark). Of the highest rarity, apparently the second known example. Several scuffs and marks and with a scrape on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.



This impressive medallion, weighing one and a half solidi, belongs to the first issue struck at Nicomedia after the tragic downfall of Crispus in the previous year. Two reverse types occur: the victorious emperor standing between two captives, and Victory. Three reverse legends were used: GLORIA CONSTANTINI AVG, GLORIA ROMANORVM, and VIRTVS CONSTANTINI CAES. Almost certainly struck as donatives, these special issues thus celebrate the glory of Rome, of Constantine, and of his Caesars, Constantine II and Constantius II.