Crispus, Caesar, 316-326. Follis (Bronze, 19 mm, 3.34 g, 12 h), Rome, 316-317. CRISPVS NOB CAES Bare-headed and cuirassed bust of Crispus to right. Rev. RPINCIPIA I-VVENTVTIS / R S Mars standing front, head to left, placing his right hand on shield set on ground and holding inverted spear in his left; in field to right, star. RIC 62. Extremely rare. Somewhat smoothed and the hair slightly strengthened, otherwise, very fine.



This emission marks the introduction of the first coins for Crispus. Intriguingly, there are no known corresponding coins for Constantine II. The entire emission was almost certainly produced in the autumn of 316, predating the settlement between Constantine and Licinius on 1 March 317, which recognized three Caesars. It is plausible that Constantine first elevated Crispus, who was of age, followed shortly by the elevation of Constantine II, born in February 316.