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Constantius II
Constantius II. AD 337-361. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.43 g, 5h). Tricennalia issue. Antioch mint, 4th officina. Struck AD 355-361. Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding a spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman motif / Roma seated facing, holding spear, and Constantinopolis seated left, holding scepter and resting foot on prow, supporting between them a shield inscribed VOT/ XXX/ MVLT/ XXXX in four lines; SMANΔ. RIC VIII 165; Depeyrot 10/1; Biaggi –. Ex. Titano 62, lot 299, 09/24/1995.
Ex. Dr. Nicholas Lowe Collection, Roma E-Sale 63, lot 1041, 11/07/2019. Ex. CNG 121, lot 1003, 2022.
Constantius II, the second son of Constantine the Great, ruled the Roman Empire from 337 to 361 CE. His reign was marked by political intrigue, religious transformation, and military challenges, reflecting the complexities of the late Roman Empire. Born in 317, Constantius inherited his father’s vision of a unified and powerful empire but faced significant obstacles in maintaining that unity.
Upon Constantine's death in 337, the empire was divided among his three sons: Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius II. This arrangement proved unstable. Constantine II and Constans clashed, leading to Constantine II's death in 340. By 350, Constantius emerged as the sole ruler following Constans’ assassination by the usurper Magnentius, whom Constantius defeated decisively at the Battle of Mursa Major in 351.
Religious policy was a central aspect of Constantius' rule. A staunch supporter of Arian Christianity, he sought to suppress the Nicene Creed, a move that deepened divisions within the Christian community. His attempts to enforce religious conformity included convening councils and exiling dissenting bishops, illustrating the growing entanglement of imperial authority with theological disputes.
Constantius faced significant external threats, particularly along the empire’s eastern and northern frontiers. His campaigns against the Sassanid Persian Empire were marked by fluctuating fortunes, and he relied on his cousin, Julian, to stabilize the western provinces. Julian’s growing popularity eventually led to a revolt, compelling Constantius to march westward. However, he died of fever in 361 before a decisive conflict occurred.
Constantius II's legacy is mixed. While he demonstrated strategic acumen and administrative capability, his heavy-handed religious policies and reliance on autocratic rule alienated many. His reign underscores the challenges of governing an empire under siege from external pressures and internal divisions, setting the stage for the transformations of the late Roman world.
Constantius II's soldi are the most common of the denomination and are routinely available, including in high grade. The present coin is exquisitely detailed, note the soldier on horseback riding over the fallen figure on the shield, as well as Constantius' cuirass. The reverse is also of fine style with extraordinary detail in the robes of Roma and Constantinopolis. Overall this is an exceptional example of a common coin type.