Crispus, Caesar, 316-326. Follis (Bronze, 18 mm, 1.98 g, 9 h), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Londinium, irregular mint, after 321. IVL CRIS[PVS NOB] CAES Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Crispus to left, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield decorated with gorgoneion on his left. Rev. BEAT[A TRA-N]QVILLITAS / PLON Globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS / XX; above, three stars. Cf. RIC 232 (for prototype). A lovely piece with a wonderfully abstract shield decoration. The obverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, good very fine.


The style of this coin is clearly unofficial, indicating that it is a contemporary 'barbarous' imitation. The obverse shows an fascinating abstract gorgoneion on the shield. It copies RIC 232 (Londinium), but the legend 'IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES' was never used in that mint.