Constantius II               337 - 361 A.D.

 

Constantius joins the lengthy list of emperors whose career was marked by a seemingly endless series of wars both domestic and foreign. He served as Caesar from 324 until his father's death in 337 at which time he shared the title of Augustus with two other brothers, Constantine II and Constans. To make sure no more Johnny-come-latelies in his family would try their hand at being emperor too it is thought that he engineered a bloodbath that left nary a relative. Constantine II died in battle and Constans was murdered by the men of Magnentius, the first of several usurpers. This left Constantius finally as sole legitimate emperor and he moved quickly to suppress Magnentius, an endeavor he eventually accomplished. The strife didn't end there, however, as he still had to deal with other revolts and wars on every corner of the empire. Caught in these never-ending battles he died while on his way to battle Julian II.

 

AE2, Centenionalis 337--361 A.D.

Sirmium, Officina 2

21 mm.

Obv. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG: Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right A in

left field and star in right

Rev. CONCORDIA MILITVM: Emperor standing left, holding two standards, A in left

field and star above

Van Meter 84

AE2, Centenionalis 337--361 A.D.

Thessalonika, Officina 1

23 mm.

Obv. DN CONSTANTINVS PF AVG: Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Rev. FEL TEMP REPARATIO: Constantius, holding labarum and phoenix on globe,

standing left in a galley piloted by Victory, TSA in

exergue

RIC 174, Van Meter 85

AE2, Centenionalis 337--361 A.D.

Cyzicus, Officina 1 ca. 348 A.D.

4.71 g., 22 mm.

Obv. DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG: Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Rev. FEL TEMP REPARATIO: Soldier spearing a fallen Persian horseman

RIC 93a, Van Meter 90

AE3/4 337--361 A.D.

Arelate (?)

17 mm.

Obv. FL CONSTANTIVS AVG: Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust left

Rev. GLORIA EXERCITVS: Two soldiers standing on either side of two standards

SR 3998v., Van Meter 72