Constantius II? Camp gate, RIC # help asked

[A. C. P.]

Constantius II? 3 turrets, star above, 6 layers, S – F, mintmark ARL(S?), 18mm, 1,83gr.
Can’t find this variation, someone knows some other example?
Thank you.

[BiancasDad]

This coin is perplexing.

Maybe an unofficial issue from Arles?

I'm curious if anyone else has an opinion.

[A. C. P.]

Hi Kurt, thank you very much for your reaction, do you think the ruler can be Constantius II?

[tjaart]

Hi A.C.P.,

I tend to agree with Kurt. I think it is unofficial. In Helvetica's list of legends for campgates, there is no CONSTANTIVS NOBC listed for Constantius II. The decorations on the reverse is also unique. Usually you only see dots in either the top or the bottom layer. This example with dots in every brick is relatively unique. Some of the lettering also seems to indicate an unofficial issue.

Nevertheless, it is a great coin that I would LOVE to have in my campgate collection.

Tjaart

[A. C. P.]

Hi tjaart, thanks for your reaction; what is “an unofficial issue” is it like a forgery or imitation? Or is it coins produced without the consent of the “state”? Or some influential person making some money on the side?

[tjaart]

Hi A.C.P.,

unofficial usually indicates that it was not made by an official mint but made to imitate local coins. Currently there is some debate as to whether this unofficial (or barbarous as they are sometimes called) coinage were made for local circulation of whether they were ancient forgeries. See http://www.constantinethegreatcoins.com/barb2/ for a good discussion on the topic.

Tjaart

[A. C. P.]

Hi tjaart, thanks a lot for explanation and link ; I find this a very interesting time period