Constantine II, as Caesar, 316-337. Follis (Bronze, 21 mm, 3.17 g), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Arelate. Irregular mint, after 325. CONSTANTI[NVS IVN NOB C] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine II to left.
Rev. VIRTVS-[CAESS] / TA[crescent]RL Campgate with open doors and four turrets; above, star. Cf. RIC 294 (for prototype). An extremely interesting overstrike. Somewhat rough and with traces of overstriking
, otherwise, very fine.
From the collection of Dr. L. Ramskold, formed since 1969.
This irregular overstruck coin imitates a camp gate issue from Arles, belonging to the emission of 325-326. The overstruck coin is an IOVI CONSERVATORI follis of Licinius II, likely originating from Nicomedia. The positions of the obverse and reverse have swapped between the two strikes. The beginning of the undertype's obverse legend, D N VAL LICIN LIC..., is visible on the reverse, while on the new obverse, _ERVATORI can be read next to the X/IIΓ mark beneath a seated captive. The mint mark is likely SMNΓ. Licinius' coin had been invalidated in Constantine's domain, but by overstriking it with a western type, the unofficial mint increased its value from 0 to 1, allowing it to re-enter circulation.
