Unusual gilt uniface 'fraction' for Constantius I

[maximinvs]

Hi list,
First post in a very long time...

I thought I would share this 'fraction' with the forum, it's an unusual piece, maybe not even classified as a coin, though it is clearly inspired by one.

I would best describe it as a "small gilt uniface medallion of quinarius module", 15mm, 1.9g

Obverse: Constantius I laureate draped right, CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
Reverse: blank

I am confident it is not a modern concoction, the gilt plating is only present on the obverse and has rubbed on the high points and the exposed bronze has an old smooth patina, there is some bronze disease in places, the reverse has no clear indication of removal of a reverse design. In places the edge shows evidence of filing, as if the flan eccentricities had been worked for better roundness.

The portraiture looks quite official to me, as if it was made or derived from an actual quinarius, the style looks like 'Rome' mint to me, quite similar to some argentei portraits from that mint, though I haven't been able to find a prototype that could have inspired this.

My best guess is that this was once mounted in jewelry, perhaps for a finger ring?

Anyway, I'd really like to hear what others might think about this unusual piece.

Thanks,
Ian

[SC]

Fascinating object.

Your guess sounds plausible.  Someone was looking for a nice small coin for something like a ring bezel.  Found this one, filed the reverse flat, plated it in gold and voila.

SC

[Lech Stępniewski]

Probably quinarius. Probably PRINCIPI... type. The outline of prince with spear and globe - an "V" over his head - is stiil visible on reverse (but you need to turn the picture).

[maximinvs]

Probably quinarius. Probably PRINCIPI... type. The outline of prince with spear and globe - an "V" over his head - is stiil visible on reverse (but you need to turn the picture).

Thanks Lech, you much have better eyes than me, I will admit I am struggling to find the Prince on the reverse!!!
The weight is within the range for a quinarius though, some can be well over 2g, so even after losing some material from filing a quinarius could still be 1.9g.
So I am satisfied it is a worked quinarius. I haven't found an obverse die match though, which is little surprising for such rarities.

A look at the quinarii on acsearch shows a surprising range of portrait styles, suggesting the dies were produced by a number of celators...

Cheers,
Ian