Description
Denomination: Silver siliqua
Period: Roman imperial
Date: AD 351-355
Origin: Constantinople mint
Condition: Extremely fine. unusual for this issue
Obverse: Draped and cuirassed bust. with pearl-diadem. D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG
Reverse: VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX in four lines within wreath; C . Delta in exergue
Size and Weight: 21mm. 3.12g
References: RIC VIII 102
Features and Provenance: Constantius was the son of Constantine (the Great) and born in 317. He was made Caesar at the age of seven and commander of Gaul at the age of ten! He became in 337. His reign saw constant warfare on the borders. civil unrest and torment between his family members and his religious beliefs led to the persecution of pagans. He died at the age of 24 of a fever.
The siliqua is the modern name given to later silver Constantinian family coins. There is historic evidence that it was valued at one twenty-fourth of a Roman solidus (a gold coin) and the name comes from the seed of the Carob tree. maybe used as a weight system. It is rare to see one in such excellent condition as they were made extremely quickly and often had striking cracks around the edge. they were also often clipped to hoard the silver. There is also archaeological evidence that the Saxons used them by clipping them down to the size of their ‘Sceat’ or used them as lucky charms and other jewellery.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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