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Coin Constans, Rome 348–350 A.D.

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posted on 2022-08-09, 07:53 authored by Centre for Ancient Cultures MuseumCentre for Ancient Cultures Museum

References: Vaux, W. S. W. “On a discovery of Roman coins, in the Parish of Little Malvern, Worcestershire”, The Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Numismatic Society, vol. 11, 1848, pp. 19–39; Cohen, H., Description historique des monnaies frappées sous l̕Empire romain communément appellées, médailles imperials, Vol. 7, Paris: Rollin & Feuardent, 1892; Mattingly, H., "FEL. TEMP. REPARATIO", Numismatic Chronicle, 1933, pp. 182-201, and plates xvii and xviii; Sutherland, C. H. V., Carson, R. A. G., The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. 8: The Family of Constantine I (337–364), Spink and Son Ltd, London, 1981; Robertson, A. S., Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet, University of Glasgow: V, Diocletian (Reform) to Zeno, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1982.

Coin well centered; beading mainly visible on obverse. On the obverse of this coin, bust of Constans, youngest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta: pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing right. At his sides, the inscription D N CONSTANS P F AVG. Obverse translation: “Domino Nostro Constans Pius Felix Augustus”. On the legend of the reverse is inscribed FEL TEMP REPARATIO; reverse translation: “felicium temporum reparation”, meaning "re-establishment of the happy times", an inscription recurring on coins from the time of Constans and Constantius II to that of Gratian (AD 337 to AD 375). Emperor in military dress on galley, facing left, holding a phoenix on globe and labarum, standard with chi-rho; in the stern, at helm, sits Victory steering the ship, facing left. Mintmark TRS (Trier) in exergue.

Date: 348–350 AD.

Parallels: very similar example London, British Museum 2011,4021.2, 2011,4021.3.

Photo by Steve Morton

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