I present for your inspection this very
rare example of a
type issued for the transfer of mints from
Ostia to
Arles in the year 313 (there exists a dated example).
[
IMP] CONSTANTINVS PF
AVG,
bust left, cuir., laureate,
shield over left shoulder, spear over right
PROVIDE-NT-IAE
AVGG, female figure (possibly
Moneta) on prow, holding
cornucopia, facing what must be the personification of
Arles, who is holding a
standard (Ben informs me that this may be a symbol of Constantine's
Italian victory).
QARL in
exergue3.57g, 21.4mm
RIC Arles 30var.
This particular issue is not listed with this particular
obverse type, however I am aware of one other in existance. The symbolism of this
type and it's partner,
VTILITAS PVBLICA, simply blows me away. On the VTILITAS issue,
Moneta is on prow also, but facing away from the figure (probably the personification of
Ostia) on the
shore, as if departing. On the Providentiae issue,
Moneta is depicted as arriving at
Arles. An interesting oddity of my example however: On most of these coins, the figure on
shore is not wearing a turreted headress, while on mine, she is.
I will attempt a better scan when I have the chance, in the meantime, this one will have to suffice. Please comment!
Evan