Ancient Roman Silver Siliqua of Emperor Procopius / Constantinople

Code: 12132

This is an ancient Roman silver Siliqua of emperor Procopius, dating from 26 September 365 - 27 May 366 AD

Obverse: D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG "Our Lord Procopius, Pious and Blessed August" Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.

Reverse: VOT V "vows (prayers) for his (anticipated) fifth anniversary" in two lines within wreath. 

This coin was minted at Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey), mintmark C.B The B stands for (beta) or the 2nd Officina at the Constantinople mint. This emperor only lasted for 9 months and this is a very rare coin. It has been pierced and plugged in antiquity with a copper rod presumably as a decorative rivet? 

CULTURE: ROMAN

DENOMINATION: Siliqua

MATERIAL: Silver

DATE: 365 - 366 A.D.

MINTMARK: C.B (Contantinople, Turkey)

SIZE: 18.9mm diameter

WEIGHT: 2.28 grams

ATTRIBUTION: RIC IX Constantinople 13e; RSC 14; Sear 19867.

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, Cumbria