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Constantine II RIC VII, Thessalonica 71
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Constantine II, AD 337-340, son of Constantine Im the reat
AE 3, 2.75g, 18.4mm
Thessalonica, 2nd. officina, AD 319 (as Caesar)
obv. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C,
bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. VIRT - EXERC
cross shaped pattern, usually described as the plan of a Roman camp, Sol holding globe and raising hand standing above center
in ex. TSB
RIC VII, Thessalonica 71
about VF, rare rev.
From Forum Ancient Coins, thanks!
Most references describe the reverse on this very rare type as the plan of a Roman camp. But experts disagree and there are many theories. One possibility is that the reverse depicts what Constantine saw in his vision; except the god on the coin appears to be Sol, not Christ. One explanation for this is that he did not come to understand the true meaning his vision until just prior to his battle with Maxentius (when he may have had another vision) (FAC).
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