Crispus            316 - 326 A.D.

 

Crispus was the oldest son of Constantine. He was made Caesar in about 316 and groomed along the military and political ways to be expected of a future emperor. However, his career was cut short in 326 when his stepmother Fausta accused him of attempted rape. Her story must have sounded like an unspeakable atrocity for Constantine had his son put to death at once. Some time later it was somehow found out that she'd made up the entire story and Constantine had her literally boiled to death. Fausta's motive most likely had to do with removing Crispus from the line of succession to make way for her own sons. This much she was successful at since they did indeed become emperors some ten years afterwards.

 

AE3, follis 316--326 A.D.

Siscia, Officina 1

18 mm.

Obv. IVL CRISPVS NOB C: Laureate, draped bust right

Rev. CAESARVM NOSTRORVM: Wreath enclosing VOT V; ASIS(star) in exergie

RIC 161, Van Meter 9

AE3, silvered follis 316--325 A.D.

Cyzicus

19 mm.

Obv. DN FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES: Laureate, draped bust with scepter, left

Rev. IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS: Jupiter standing left, holding long scepter and bearing Victory on a globe, presenting wreath; wreath in lower left field, SMK in exergue

Van Meter 15

AE3, follis 316--326 A.D.

17 mm.

Obv. DN FL IVL CRISPVS NOB C: Laureate bust left

Rev. PROVIDENTIAE CAESS: Camp-gate with two turrets, star above, MNB in exergue

Van Meter 19

AE3, silvered follis 316--326 A.D.

Nicomedia, Officina 1

19 mm.

Obv. FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES: Laureate, draped bust left

Rev. PROVIDENTIAE CAESS: Camp-gate, two turrets, star above, SMK in exergue

Van Meter 19

AE3, follis 316--326 A.D.

Thessalonika, Officina 4

19 mm.

Obv. CRISPVS NOB CAES: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Rev. VIRTVS EXERCIT: Two captives at base of standard inscribed VOT/XX, S in upper left field and F in upper right field, (pellet)TS[Delta](pellet) in exergue

SR 3927, Van Meter 25