TAPROBANE (SRI LANKA). Imitations of Late Roman Bronzes. Circa 5th century. AE (Bronze, 15 mm, 1.45 g, 7 h), imitating a 'Fel Temp Reparatio' follis struck by one of the sons of Constantine I. Laureate, draped and cuirassed Roman imperial bust to right. Rev. Soldier to right, shield on left arm, spearing fallen horseman with his right hand. Leu Web Auction 18 (2021), 1824. Minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.



The island of Taprobane, present-day Sri Lanka, was known to the Greek and Roman world at least since Alexander the Great’s conquests, although direct contact only began during the Late Hellenistic period. During the Roman Imperial era, economic ties between the island and the Mediterranean region became increasingly close, as evidenced by the numerous Roman coins found both on the Indian subcontinent and in Sri Lanka itself. In Late Antiquity, numerous local imitations of Roman folles from Sri Lanka are known, often featuring Constantinian motifs.