Crispus, Caesar, 316-326. Follis (Bronze, 19 mm, 1.99 g, 6 h), Rome, July 326. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Crispus to left.
Rev. CRISPVS / CAESAR / SMRA in three lines; above, star. RIC -. Ramskold, Constantine's vicennalia (2013), p. 411, fig. 1 and p. 427, fig. 7A (
this coin). Apparently unique and of great historical interest. Areas of corrosion and minor deposits on the obverse
, otherwise, very fine.
From the collections of Dr. L. Ramskold and Pierre Zanchi ('White Mountain Collection'), Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 242, 13 October 2010, 402 (part of).
This unique piece is one of the most important coins in the Ramskold Collection. It is the key specimen enabling Ramskold to pinpoint the fall of Crispus to late July/early August 326 (Constantine's vicennalia (2013), p. 410-1 and 427-9). It belongs to the exceedingly rare first dynastic bronze emission from Rome, struck for Constantine's celebration of the ending of his vicennial year on 25 July 326. Only four examples from this emission are known: this one for Crispus and three for Constantine II Caesar (see lot 2878 below). All bear the mint mark SMRA.
