Code: 12453
This is an ancient Roman gold Solidus of emperor Constantius II who reigned from 337 - 361 AD.
Obverse: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS PERP AVG "Flavius Julius Constantius, Perpetual Augustus" pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: GLORIA REI PVBLICAE "Glory of the State" Roma and Constantinopolis seated facing on double throne, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX. "vows (prayers) on the Twentieth anniversary (of the emperor's rule), and for his (anticipated) Thirtieth anniversary"
This coin was struck at the Antioch mint. It bears the Officina letter A (alpha) for the 1st Officina at the Antioch mint SMANA
The coin bears an excellent portrait and has the neat lettering of the 'primus' or 1st mint master. It is a metal detector find recovered from a stoney field, thus bears scratches and scuffs and is priced accordingly!
DENOMINATION: Solidus
MATERIAL: Gold
DATE: 337 - 361 AD (this coin minted between 355 - 361 AD)
MINTMARK: SMAN (Antioch, Turkey)
SIZE: 21mm diameter
WEIGHT: 4.47 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC 83 C. 108
