Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Image search results - "323"

Constantine II CONSTANTI-NVS IVN NC RDC left BEATA TRA-NQLITAS VOT - IS - XX
London RIC VII London 286 c3 323-324

James b4

Macedonia under Roman rule. Gaius Publius Quaestor. 148-146BC. AE19mm. Obv. Athena in crested helmet. Rev. Grazing cow right. GAIOY TAMIOU. SNG ´Cop. 1323Lee S

Schweiz

2 Rappen

1851 A

Münzstätte: Paris

Vs.: HELVETIA. Schweizerwappen auf gekreuzten Lorbeer- und Eichenzweigen, darüber ein Federhut. Unten die Jahrzahl.

Rs.: Wertangabe 2 in einem Kranz, bestehend aus zwei Lorbeerzweigen. Unten Münzzeichen A.

Rand glatt

Zitat: Divo / Tobler 323

Erhaltung: Sehr schön

Bronze

20 mm, 2,40 g _491Antonivs Protti

AR Tetradrachm of Philip III 323-317 BC., King of Macedonia, struck in the name and types of Alexander III the Greatpaul1888

MACEDON.Philip II 359-336 BC.AR.Fifth Tetradrachm, posthumus issue circa 323-316 BC.Mint of AMPHIPOLIS.
( 2.65g, 14.3mm, 1h)

Head of Apollo right wearing tainia.
Reverse.ΦIΛIΠΠ(OY), rider left, below grain ear.
Ref:SNG ANS 696-705paul1888

Chersonesos, Thrace, c. 386 - 338 B.C. Silver hemidrachm, Weber 2422; BMC Thrace p. 185, 43; McClean II 4071; HGC 3.2, 1437; SNG Cop -, Choice gVF, attractive neat style, toned, Cherronesos (Gallipoli peninsula) mint, weight 2.323g, maximum diameter 14.1mm, c. 386 - 338 B.C.; obverse lion forepart right, head turned back left, tongue protruding; reverse quadripartite incuse with alternating shallow and deeper sunken quarters, pellet and VE ligature in one sunken quarter (pellet mostly off flan), pellet and five-point star (pentagram) in the opposite sunken quarter. Coin & photography ex Forum Ancient Coins.

This example is unusually well centered on the obverse, which motivated me to purchase it. Overall I believe it is an attractive coin. 3 commentspaul1888

Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 BC. AE Hemiobol (4 Chalkoi). Struck 336 - 320 BC, possibly under Philip III at Miletus in Macedonia.Obverse: No legend. Head of Alexander the Great as Herakles, wearing lion-skin knotted at base of neck, facing right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔ•POY. Bow in Gorytos (a case for bow and quiver) above, club below. ΠΥΡ monogram control mark below club
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 5.79gms | Die Axis: 3
Price: 0335

Alexander the Great reigned from 336 to 323 BC. Price supposes this coin to be a lifetime issue and Sear concurs stating that the issues that are more likely to be posthumous are the ones bearing the title BAΣIΛEOΣ. Thompson however, has proposed a posthumous date of 321 - 320 BC (Thompson series IV) based on the compound ΠΥΡ monogram used as a control mark.

It is difficult to interpret the die orientation in these issues because not only is it unclear what the Ancient Greeks would have considered "up" with respect to the reverse design but modern scholars are ambiguous on the subject as well. I have, however, assumed that the modern conventional orientation is with the name reading horizontally, and therefore have described my example as having a 3 o'clock orientation, the "top" of the reverse being aligned with the back of Herakles' head on the obverse.
1 comments*Alex

Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 BC. AE Hemiobol (4 Chalkoi). Struck 325 - 310 BC at an uncertain mint in Macedonia.Obverse: No legend. Head of Herakles facing right, wearing lion-skin knotted at base of neck.
Reverse: A quiver (arrow case) placed on top of a bow and below it a club, large B A between; laurel branch control mark below the club.
Diameter: 17mm | Weight: 5.1gms | Die Axis: 7
Price: 385 | Sear: 6742

This coin is a subtype of the quiver type (Type 1B), with the inscription now reading B A (for BAΣIΛEOΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY = KING ALEXANDER). Price believed this coin type was minted both during and after Alexander's lifetime but Sear says that the issues bearing the title BAΣIΛEOΣ or the abbreviation "B" are more likely to be posthumous and struck under Antipater, Polyperchon, or Kassander after Alexander's death.
1 comments*Alex

Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 BC. AE Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Lifetime issue struck 336 - 323 BC at Amphipolis, Macedonia Obverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion skin headdress, facing right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔPOY. Eagle facing right, it's head turned to left, standing on a thunderbolt; mint-mark, A in right field before the eagle's breast.
Diameter: 15mm | Weight: 3.9gms | Die Axis: 6
Sear: 6743 | Weber: 2142 | Liampi: 6-8 | Price: 0159
RARE

This coin is a Type 3 (eagle type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). Alexander's Eagle bronzes are part of his Eagle coinage that also includes various silver denominations, including a stater, drachm, hemidrachm, diobol, and obol. Alexander's Eagle coins are much rarer than his issues of Herakles and Zeus imperial silver coins and his Herakles and weapons bronze coins.
*Alex

Alexander the Great, 336 - 323 BC. AE Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Lifetime issue struck 336 - 323 BC at an uncertain mint in Macedonia Obverse: No legend. Young male head wearing a taenia (diadem), who is sometimes identified as Apollo, facing right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔPOY. Horse prancing right; mint-mark, below horse, torch.
Diameter: 16mm | Weight: 4.25gms | Die Axis: 7
Price:338 | Sear: 6744
SCARCE

This coin is a Type 4 (horse type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). This likely was one of Alexander's standard bronze denominations, half the value of his Herakles/weapons bronzes, though not seen as frequently. This specimen features a torch as a mint mark, this mint-mark was included with 34 other mint marks by Price in his work.
*Alex

Philip III Arrhidaios, 323 - 317 BC. AR Drachm struck in the name and types of Alexander III at Lampsakos, Mysia.Obverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion-skin knotted at base of neck, facing right.
Reverse: AΛEΞANΔPOY. Zeus Aëtophoros seated facing left, right leg drawn back, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, sceptre in left; buckle in left field; Λ above Ω below throne.
Diameter: 18mm | Weight: 4.16gms | Die Axis: 7 | Cut mark above eyebrow on obverse.
Price: 1376

Alexander the Great reigned from 336 to 323 BC but this coin was struck shortly after his death, in around 323 to 317 BC under Philip III Arrhidaios.

Philip III Arrhidaios was the king of Macedonia after the death of Alexander the Great, from 323 BC until his own death in 317 BC. He was a son of King Philip II of Macedonia and a half-brother of Alexander. Named Arrhidaios at birth, he assumed the name Philip when he ascended the throne.
As Arrhidaios grew older it became apparent that he had mild learning difficulties. Alexander was very fond of him, and took him on his campaigns, both to protect his life and to ensure he would not be used as a pawn in a challenge for the throne. After Alexander's death in Babylon, Arrhidaios was proclaimed king by the Macedonian army in Asia, but he was a mere figurehead, and a pawn of the powerful generals, one after the other.
2 comments*Alex

Philip III Arrhidaios, 323 - 317 BC. Bronze Tetartemorion (Dichalkon / Quarter Obol). Struck 323 - 315 BC under Nikokreon at Salamis, Cyprus.Obverse: No legend. Macedonian shield with Gorgoneion (Medusa) head as the boss in the centre. The shield boss is sometimes called the episema, the Greek name for a symbol of a particular city or clan which was placed in the centre of a soldier's shield.
Reverse: Macedonian helmet surmounted with a horse hair crest; B - A (for BAΣIΛEOΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY = King Alexander) above; mint marks below the helmet, to left, a kerykeion (caduceus) and to the right, the monogram NK (for Nikokreon).
Diameter: 14mm | Weight: 4.6gms | Die Axis: 1
Price: 3162 | Liampi, Chronologie 170-92

This coin is a Type 7 (Macedonian shield type) bronze Quarter-Obol (two chalkoi). Price dated the Macedonian Shield coins as beginning during the latter part of Alexander's life, c.325 BC, and ending c.310 BC. Liampi later argued, based on new hoard evidence, that they were minted as early as 334 BC. This particular coin is dated from c.323 to 315 BC during the reign of Philip III Arrhidaios.

Salamis was founded around 1100 BC by the inhabitants of Enkomi, a Late Bronze Age city on Cyprus, though in Homeric tradition, the city was established by Teucer, one of the Greek princes who fought in the Trojan War. After Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, of which Salamis was a part, Greek culture and art flourished in the city and, as well as being the seat of the governor of Cyprus, it was the island's most important port.
Nikokreon had succeeded Pnytagoras on the throne of Salamis and is reported to have paid homage to Alexander after the conqueror's return from Egypt to Tyre in 331 BC. After Alexander's death, his empire was split between his generals, Cyprus falling to Ptolomy I of Egypt. In 315 BC during the war between Antigonos and Ptolemy, Nikokreon supported the latter and was rewarded by being made governor of all Cyprus. However, in 311 BC Ptolemy forced Nikokreon to commit suicide because he no longer trusted him. Ptolemy's brother, King Menelaus, was made governor in Nikokreon's stead.
In 306 BC, Salamis was the scene of a naval battle between the fleets of Ptolemy and Demetrius I of Macedon. Demetrius won the battle and captured the island. *Alex

317 - 326, CRISPUS as Caesar, AE3 struck 323 - 324 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CRISPVS NOBIL C. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Crispus facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 20mm | Weight: 2.8gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 275.

Flavius Julius Crispus was the eldest son of Constantine the Great, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Flavius Claudius Constantinus (Constantine II), Constantine's eldest son with Fausta, and Valerius Licinianus Licinius (Licinius II), the son of Licinius I.

This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of Constantine the Great.*Alex

317 - 337, CONSTANTINE II as Caesar, AE3 struck 322 - 323 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN N C. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; across field, F – B; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 19mm | Weight: 2.05gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 257.

Flavius Claudius Constantinus was the eldest son of Constantine and Fausta, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Crispus and Licinius II.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of his father, Constantine the great.
*Alex

317 - 337, CONSTANTINE II as Caesar, AE3 struck 323 - 324 at Londinium (London), EnglandObverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN N C. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing left.
Reverse: BEAT TRANQLITAS (sic). Altar, inscribed VOT IS XX in three lines, surmounted by cosmic globe with three stars above; in exergue, PLON.
Diameter: 21mm | Weight: 2.9gms | Die Axis: 6h
RIC VII : 287.

Flavius Claudius Constantinus was the eldest son of Constantine and Fausta, he was given the rank of Caesar in A.D.316, at the same time as Crispus and Licinius II.
This coin was struck in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of his father, Constantine the great.
*Alex

65 Constantine I, Sarmatia DevictaCONSTANTINE I
AE Follis, Trier c. 323-324 AD

O: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, laureate head right.

R: SARMATIA-DEVICTA, Victory advancing r., holding trophy on r. arm, branch in l. hand, captive on ground r., head turned back. PTR Crescent in ex.

RIC VII Trier 435; Sear 3880. EF

Weight: 3.6g

Diameter: 20mm Sosius

837 - 854, WIGMUND, Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of York, Northumbria, AE Styca, Struck at York, EnglandObverse: + VIGMVND I R around group of seven pellets. Cross pattée in legend.
Reverse: + HVNLAF around cross pommée. Cross pattée in legend. Moneyer: Hunlaf.
Issue: Phase II, Group Ci
Diameter: 13mm | Weight: 0.9gms | Die Axis: Uncertain
SPINK: 870

The first appearance of the styca, a new style of small coin which replaced the earlier sceat, was at the beginning of the ninth century. The first stycas were of low silver content but later coins became effectively brass. Produced in York, several moneyers are named on the surviving coins, suggesting that they were minted in significant quantities. Stycas were minted under the kings, Aethelred I, Eardwulf, Aelfwald II, Eanred, Aethelred II, Redwulf, and Osberht, as well as for the Archbishops of York, Eanbald I, Eanbald II, Wigmund, and Wulfhere.

Wigmund was consecrated as Archbishop of York in 837 and died in 854.

The Kingdom of Northumbria was a medieval Anglian kingdom in what is now Northern England and South-east Scotland. The name derives from the Old English Norþan-hymbre meaning "the people or province north of the Humber", Northumbria started to consolidate into one kingdom in the early seventh century when the two earlier territories of Deira and Bernicia united. At its height, the kingdom extended from the Humber Estuary in the south to the Firth of Forth (now in Scotland) in the north.
Northumbria ceased to be an independent kingdom in the mid-tenth century.
*Alex

Antiochos VIII Epiphanes, Sole reign, 121/0-97/6 B.C. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.32g). Damascus, S.E. 197 (116/5 B.C.).Antiochos VIII Epiphanes, Sole reign, 121/0-97/6 B.C. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 16.32g). Damascus, S.E. 197 (116/5 B.C.). Diademed head of Antiochos VIII right; fillet border. Rv. Zeus Uranios standing left, draped, holding star and scepter; in outer left field, two monograms; in exergue, date (ZPP); laurel wreath border. SC 2323.5a. LSM 101. Ex Coin Galleries 11-8-2000, lot 129. Ex Eukratides 2021.

Photo Credits: Eukratides1 commentsJustin W

Constantine II, RIC 381 var. TrierConstantine II, AE19, Trier. 322-323 CE
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate and cuirassed bust right, holding spear over shoulder and horse by the bridle before.
Reverse: BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, large globe on an altar inscribed V dot O - TIS - XX in three lines, three stars above.
Mintmark: PTR dot., RIC VII Trier 381 var (mintmark) 18.9 mm, 2.7 g.
NORMAN K

Constantine II, RIC VIII 41 Antioch Constantine II, AE, Antioch 322-323 CE
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG, laureate pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS, Two soldiers holding spears and shields
Mintmark: SMANB Antioch 14,7mm, 1.4 g.NORMAN K

Kassander, 317 - 297 BC. AE18. Struck 319 - 305 BC at an uncertain mint in MacedoniaObverse: No legend. Head of Herakles, wearing lion's skin, facing right.
Reverse: KAΣΣAN - ΔPOY, above and below crouching lion facing right, Λ in right field, before lion.
Diameter: 17.77mm | Weight: 3.76gms | Die Axis: 6
SNG Cop 1138 | Sear GCV 6753 | Forrer/Weber 2161

This type was issued before Kassander's assumption of the royal title in 305 BC

Kassander (Cassander) was one of the Diadochoi, a group of Macedonian generals, and the self proclaimed ruler of Macedonia during the political turmoil following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. He was the son of Antipater, who had been appointed as regent in Macedonia while Alexander was in the East.
In 319 BC and close to death, Antipater transferred the regency of Macedonia to Polyperchon. Kassander refused to acknowledge the new regent and, with the aid of Antigonus I Monopthalmus the ruler of Phrygia, he seized Macedonia and most of Greece, including Athens. In 317 BC, he declared himself regent and had Alexander's widow, Roxanna and son, Alexander IV confined in Amphipolis. Later, in 310 or 309 BC, he had them put to death by poisoning. But, even though he had murdered Alexander's heirs and had been the de facto ruler of Macedonia from 317 BC, Kassander did not take the royal titles and declare himself king until 305 BC.
Meanwhile, Antigonus was intent on reuniting Alexander's empire under his own sovereignty and so Kassander joined forces with Ptolemy I of Egypt, Seleucus in Babylon and Lysimachus ruler of Thrace to oppose him. The two sides fought several battles between 319 and 303 BC resulting in Kassander losing Athens in 307 BC and his possessions south of Thessaly between 303 and 302 BC. However, in 301 BC Antigonus was defeated and killed at the Battle of Ipsus in Phrygia which allowed Kassander to secure undisputed control over Macedonia.
During his rule Kassander restored peace and prosperity to the kingdom, founding or restoring numerous cities, including Thebes which had been levelled by Alexander as punishment for rebelling against him. He also founded Thessalonica, naming the city after his wife, and Cassandreia, founded upon the ruins of Potidaea, which was named after himself.
Kassander died of dropsy in 297 BC and may have been buried in a royal tomb recently discovered at Vergina, identified as Aigai, the first Macedonian capital.
*Alex

Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander the Great, 336-323 BC, AR obol.Kingdom of Macedon, Alexander the Great, 336-323 BC, AR obol.
Struck c. 336-323 BC, Head of Hecrules right, wearing
lion skin, knotted at base of neck. / Zeus, nude to waist, seated
left on ornate throne, holding eagle and scepter within dotted circle.CANTANATRIX

Kings of Macedon, Alexander III the Great, 336-323 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Amphipolis Mint under AntipaterHead of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress.
AÎ›EÎžANÎ”POY Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; janiform head vase in left field. Graffiti in upper left field - Aramaic kaph (k) and sadhe (s).

Price 6; Troxell, Studies, Issue A3; SNG Cop 660; Muller 853.
Struck at Amphipolis in the period 332-329 BC.

(29 mm, 17.15 g, 2h)

This is one of the first emissions of Alexander’s coinage struck in his homeland, albeit about three years after he departed for Asia Minor. Recent scholarship places the start of Alexander’s distinctive coinage in 333/2 BC at Tarsos, in eastern Asia Minor, shortly after which the design was transferred to Macedonia where Alexander’s coinage was struck under the authority of his regent in Greece, Antipater. Die studies indicate that this coin was from the fourth tetradrachm emission of a mint in Macedonia, most probably Amphipolis. It was most probably struck in the period 332-329 BC. The Aramaic graffiti on the reverse, plus the obverse reverse rim test cut are pointers to the likelihood that this coin travelled beyond its location of issue in Macedonia, into the eastern Mediterranean where Aramaic was the main spoken language.3 commentsn.igma

Kings of Macedon: Antigonos I struck under Demetrios I Poliorketes, AE15 Half Unit.Salamis 320-301 B.C. 3.42g - 15.5mm, Axis 12h.

Obv: Macedonian shield, boss decorated with facing gorgoneion.

Rev: Macedonian helmet, kerykeion and monogram to lower left and right.

Ref: Price 3159 (c. 323-315 BC) var. (Unit); Zapiti & Michaelidou 7-8 var. (same).
Provenance: Ex Derek Glover. Chris Scarlioli CollectionChristian Scarlioli

Macedonian Kingdom: Philip III Arrhidaios (323-317 BCE) AR Drachm, Abydus (ADM II series VIII, 124-5)Obv: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin
Rev: Î¦Î™Î›Î™Î Î ÎŸÎ¥; Zeus Aëtophoros seated left on backless throne; right leg drawn back, feet on stool, eagle in right hand, scepter in left; branch upward in left field, horse leg left below throne
Dim: 17mm, 4.27 gm, 5hQuant.Geek

ROME
PB Tessera (18mm, 3.26 g, 12 h)
Bull standing right; POL above
Palm frond
Rostowzew 684 corr. (obverse legend read COL); Rostowzew & Prou 138, pl. IV, 20 corr. (obverse legend read QL)

Ex Artcoins Roma Electronic Auction 5 (29 May 2012), lot 247 (part of)Ardatirion

(0284) Diocletian / Iovi Hercu ConserSilvered Ant. 22mm 3.45 g
284 - 305 AD
Obv: IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG
Rad Dr Cuir Bust R
Rev: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG
Jupiter stg R hldg globe and scepter; Hercules stg L hldg Victory, club,& lionskin; crescent over H below
XXI in exe; Antioch RIC V 323
Nearly fully silvered
(J.Ryan)laney

(503f) Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus Silver DenariusCn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus Silver Denarius, Sear-323, Cr-393/1a, Syd-752, RSC-Cornelia 54, struck 76-75 BC at Spanish Mint, 3.94 grams, 18 mm. EF. Obverse: GPR above Diademed, draped and bearded bust of the Genius of the Roman People facing right, sceptre over shoulder; Reverse: EX in left field, SC in right field; CN LEN Q in exergue, Sceptre with wreath, terrestrial globe and rudder. An exceptional example that is especially well centered and struck on a slightly larger flan than normally encountered with fully lustrous surfaces and a most attractive irridescent antique toning. Held back from the Superb EF/FDC by a small banker's mark in the right obverse field, but still worthy of the finest collection of Roman Republican denarii. Ex Glenn Woods.

Re: CORNELIA 54:

“Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus may be the same moneyer whose issues have been already described (no.s 702-704). Mommsen suggested that these coins were struck in 74 B.C. as a special issue, authorized by the Senate, to defray the cost of armaments against Mithridates of Pontus and the Mediterranean pirates. But Grueber’s view that they were struck in 76 B.C. by Cn. Cornelius Lentulus acting in the capacity of quaestor of Pompey, seems more in accordance with the evidence of finds" (see: G. ii, p. 359n and The Coinage of the Roman Republic, by Edward A. Sydenham, 1976, pgs. 1).

H. A. Seaby shows the coin with the smaller head (Roman Silver Coins Vol. I, Republic to Augustus pg. 33) while David R Sear shows a coin sporting a larger version (Roman Coins and Their Values, pg. 132).

“Cn. Lentulus strikes in Spain in his capacity as quaestor to the proconsul Pompey, who had been sent to the peninsula to assist Q. Caecillus Metellus Piusagainst sertorius”(Roman Coins and Their Values, by David Sear, Vol.1, 2000, pg. 132).

This is not an imperatorial minted coin for Pompey. At the time these coins were minted the Procounsel Pompey was sent to Spain to aid in the war against Sertorius. The moneyer Cn Lentulus served as his Quaestor where he continued to mint coins for Rome.

CN = Cneaus; LEN = Lentulus

Cneaus was his first name. His last, or family name is Lentulus and this clan is a lesser clan within the Cornelii, which is what his middle name of Cornelius implies.

Q = This tells us that he was a Quaestor, or Roman magistrate with judicial powers at the time when the coin was issued, with the responsibility for the treasury. Had this been a position that he once held it would be noted on the coin as PROQ or pro [past] Questor.

For Further Reading on the Cornelia 54 & 55:

Coins of the Roman Republic in the British Museum, by H. A. Grueber. London, 1910, Vol. II, pgs. 358, 359, 52, 57

Roman Silver Coins Vol. I, Republic to Augustus, by H.A.Seaby 1952, pgs. 32-33

The Coinage of the Roman Republic, by Edward A. Sydenham, 1976, pgs. 122, 241

Roman Coins and Their Values, by David Sear, Vol.1, 2000, pg. 132, 133

Roman Republican Coinage Volume I by Michael H. Crawford 2001, pg. 407

by Jerry Edward Cornelius, April 2006, THE 81 ROMAN COINS OF THE CORNELIA
http://www.cornelius93.com/Cornelia54.html1 commentsCleisthenes

000992 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., round curl to the l. of he head, wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, a pendant earring represented by three pellets in a vertical line, and a simple necklace.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (almost parallel with belly/ground), preparing to roll, small plant (control mark) below. ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 342 BC1; Weight: 5.869g; Diameter: 18.3mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 30, 61; BCD Thessaly I 1156; BCD Thessaly II 323 var. [same obv. die, but no trident (control mark) below the horse pointing to the left].

Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I. This coin appears to fall within Lorber's Phase Late II or Phase Late III. See Lorber Hoard and Lorber 2008.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).

Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins September 6, 2018; from the David Cannon Collection, ex Beast Coins.

Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins

CLICK FOR SOURCES

3 commentsTracy Aiello

001c. LepidusThe Triumvirs. Lepidus and Octavian. November-December 43 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.35 g, 10h). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy. Bare head of Lepidus right / Bare head of Octavian right. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140; Sydenham 1323; RSC 2a. Near Fine, toned, struck off center, bankers’ marks.ecoli

001l. LepidusMarcus Aemilius Lepidus. Third member of the Triumvirate. A strong supporter of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's death, he was appointed as pontifex maximus. He played very much a subsidiary role in the Triumvirate and was of minimal impact in the struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony. After Octavian won the war, he stripped Lepidus of all his positions except pontifex maximus and put Lepidus in a rather loose exile. He died in 13 or 12 BC.

Coin: November-December 43 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.70 g, 5h). Military mint traveling with Lepidus in Italy. LEPIDVS•PONT•MAX•III•VIR•R•P•C• Bare head of Lepidus right / CAESAR•IMP•III•VIR•R•P•C•, Bare head of Octavian right. Crawford 495/2a; CRI 140; Sydenham 1323; RSC 2a; RBW 1752. CNG Auction 524 Lot 452, 28 Sep 2022.lawrence c

01. Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm Ptolemy I Soter. As satrap, 323-305 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 16.95 g, 12h). In the name and types of Alexander III of Macedon. Sidon mint. Dated RY 18 of Abdalonymos, king of Sidon (316/5 BC). Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; Î£ (date) in left field, Î£I below throne. Price 3504; Newell, Dated 50 (obv. die XXVI); DCA 878. Heavily smoothed, cleaning scratches and banker’s mark on reverse. VF.
3 commentsLordBest

0105 Trajan - AE sestertiusRome
108-110 AD
laureate bust right, draped left shoulder
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Annona standing left holding cornucopiae and grain ears; modius on left and prow of galley right
S•P•Q•R•OPTIMO PRINCIPI
S C
Woytek 323bD, Banti 118, RIC II 492, BMCRE III 782, Cohen 469
24,15g 32,5mmJ. B.

012p Claudius I. (41-54 A.D.), Phrygia, Amorium, RPC I 3237, AE-21, Eagle with caduceus standing, right, #1012p Claudius I. (41-54 A.D.), Phrygia, Amorium, RPC I 3237, AE-21, Eagle with caduceus standing, right, #1
avers: ΤΙ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟϹ ΓЄΡΜΑΝΙΚΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ, Laureate head of Claudius right.
revers: ЄΠΙ ΠЄΔΩΝΟϹ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΤΩΝΟϹ, ΑΜΡ (in field), Eagle with caduceus standing, right, on the uncertain object.
exergue: AMP/-//--, diameter: 20,0-21,0mm, weight: 6,09g, axes: 0h,
mint: City: Amorium, Region: Phrygia, Province: Asia, Subprovince: Conventus of Synnada,
date: 41-54 A.D.,
ref: RPC I 3237, BMC 28,
Q-001quadrans

0150 - Nummus Crispus 323-4 ACObv/ CRISPVS NOBIL C, laureate and cuirassed bust of C. l., spear on r. shoulder and shield on r.h.
Rev/ BEATA TRA-NQLITAS, globe set on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX in three lines; above, three stars; PLON in ex.

AE, 19.8 mm, 2.50 g
Mint: Londinium.
RIC VII/278 [R3]
ex-Numismatica Tintinna, auction e11, lot 2122dafnis

0211 - Nummus Crispus 323-4 ACObv/ CRISPVS NOBIL C, bust of C. l. with helmet and cuirass.
Rev/ BEAT TRA NQILITAS, globe above altar inscribed VOT IS XX; above, three stars; PLON in ex.

AE, 19.5 mm, 2.94 g.
Mint: Londinium.
RIC VII/275 - CT 9.05.025 [CC]
ex-Roma Numismatics, auction e27, lot 938.dafnis

0217 - Nummus Constantine I 323-4 ACObv/ CONSTANTINVS AG, laureate bust of C. r.
Rev/ Victory advancing r. holding trophy and branch, advancing over captive on ground; around, SARMATIA DEVICTA; in ex., PLON and symbol.

AE, 20.5 mm, 3.78 g
Mint: Londinium.
RIC VII/2 [R2] - CT 10.01.003 [C]
ex-Roma Numismatics, auction e35, lot 1539 (ex-colln of a connoisseur)dafnis

0230 - 1 Croat Carlos II 1674 ACObv/ Bust of Carlos II l., around CAROL - II - D - G - HISP - REX
Rev/ Circles and dots divided by cross, around BAR-CINO CIVI 1674

Ag, 21.2 mm, 2.54 g
Mint: BARCELONA
Cy98/6745
ex-Áureo & Calicó, auction 323, lot 1359dafnis

027 - Diocletian (284-305 AD), pre-reform Antoninianus - RIC 323Obv. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter standing right, holding globe and sceptre, facing Hercules standing left, holding Victory, club and lion´s skin.
Minted in Antioch (* and B in field, XXI in exe), second officina, 285 AD.1 commentspierre_p77

028 - Diocletian (284-305 AD), pre-reform Antoninianus - RIC 323Obv. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter standing right, holding globe and sceptre, facing Hercules standing left, holding Victory, club and lion´s skin.
Minted in Antioch (crescent delta in field, XXI in exe), fourth officina, 285 AD.pierre_p77

028 Károly Róbert., (Charles Robert of Anjou, Angevin)., King of Hungary, (1307-1342 A.D.) AR-Denarius, U-362b, Reverse shield !!!028 Károly Róbert., (Charles Robert of Anjou, Angevin)., King of Hungary, (1307-1342 A.D.) AR-Denarius, U-362b, Reverse shield !!!
avers: ✠ MOnETA REGIS KARVLI; Anjou-Hungarian (!!!) shield in circle of dots; border of dots.
reverse: Lily, bird, crowned head on either side of patriarchal cross, star and circle within crescent above; border of dots.,
exergue, mint mark: bird/bird//-- were struck by Ladislaus Gurhes, diameter: mm, weight: g,
mint: Hungary, Pécs (by Pohl), date: 1323 A.D. (by Pohl), ref: Unger-362b, Reverse shield !!!, CNH-2-054B, Huszár-446B, Pohl-12,
Q-001
"The reverse is in the style of the Slavonian banaldenars."quadrans

029 - Diocletian (284-305 AD), pre-reform Antoninianus - RIC 323Obv. IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter standing right, holding globe and sceptre, facing Hercules standing left, holding Victory, club and lion´s skin.
Minted in Antioch (delta in field, XXI. in exe), fourth officina, 293 AD.pierre_p77

03. Alexander the Great.Tetradrachm, ca 325 - 323 BC, "Babylon" mint.
Obverse: Head of Alexander as Herakles, wearing lion's skin headdress.
Reverse: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Zeus sitting, holding his attendant eagle and sceptre. M and a bee at left, monogram under throne.
17.12 gm., 26 mm.
P. #3619; M. #696.

Martin J. Price assigns this coin to the mint at "Babylon," but he says (p. 456 -57) it is possible that coins of "group two" may have been minted at Susa or Ecbatana.3 commentsCallimachus

032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0138, Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P COS III, SAL-AVG, Salus standing left,032 Hadrianus (117-138 A.D.), RIC II 0138, Rome, AR-Denarius, P M TR P COS III, SAL-AVG, Salus standing left,
avers:-IMP-CAESAR-TRAIAN-HADRIANVS-AVG, Laureate and draped (!!) bust right.
revers:-P-M-TR-P-COS-III, Salus standing left feeding serpent rising from altar, holding sceptre, SAL - AVG across fields.
exerg: SAL/AVG//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: Rome, date: 119-122 A.D., ref: RIC II 138var, p-356, C-1323,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

036a13. Gordian IIIAntoninianus (23mm, 4.26 g, 6h). Rome mint, 2nd officina. 9th-11th emissions, AD 241-243. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Jupiter standing facing, head right, holding long scepter in right hand and thunderbolt in left. RIC IV 84; RSC 109. From the Ken Bressett Collection. Purchased from Joe Powers in 1950 for @ $3. CNG Keystone Auction 6, Lot 3230.lawrence c

04. "Abydus": Stater in the name of Alexander the Great.Stater, ca 323 - 317 BC, "Abydus" mint.
Obverse: Head of Athena in crested Corinthian helmet ornamented with a serpent.
Reverse: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Nike holding wreath and ship's mast; monogram and star at left, cornucopia at feet.
8.60 gm., 18 mm.
P. #1524; M. #381; S. #6704.1 commentsCallimachus

0427 Trajan - AE sestertiusRome
108-110 AD
laureate bust right, draped left shoulder
IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P
Annona standing left holding cornucopiae and grain ears; modius on left and prow of galley right
S•P•Q•R•OPTIMO PRINCIPI
S C
Woytek 323bD, Banti 118, RIC II 492, BMCRE III 782, Cohen 469
21,24g 33mmJ. B.

05. Philip III.Tetradrachm, 323 - 317 BC, "Babylon" mint.
Obverse: Head of Alexander as Herakles, wearing lion's skin headdress.
Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ / Zeus sitting, holding his attendant eagle and sceptre. M at left, ΛΥ between the rungs of the throne.
16.99 gm., 27 mm.
P. #P181; M. #99; S. #6749.

Martin J. Price assigns this coin to the mint at "Babylon," but he says (p. 455) that coins with the M-ΛΥ monograms may have to be assigned to Susa after further study.Callimachus

0564 Hadrian Denarius Roma 119-23 AD Salus Reference.
RIC II, 138; Strack 81; C.1323; BMC 313`RIC 564

Bust C1

Obv. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Laureate, draped bust, viewed from front

Rev. P M TR P COS III in feild SAL AVG
Salus standing left, feeding serpent, who is wrapped round an altar, out of patera with right hand and holding sceptre. (sometimes a spear)
small figure in altar Vulcanus?

3.21 gr
18 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki

06. "Amphipolis": Tetradrachm in the name of Alexander the Great.Tetradrachm, ca 320 - 317 BC, "Amphipolis" mint.
Obverse: Head of Alexander as Herakles, wearing lion's skin headdress.
Reverse: Reverse: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΟΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Zeus sitting, holding his attendant eagle and sceptre. Branch of laurel at left, Π under throne.
17.33 gm., 25 mm.
P. #124; M. #560.

Alexander appointed Antipater regent in Macedon during his absence. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, Antipater continued ruling as regent until his own death in 319 BC. Most coins issued in Macedon during this time continued to be in the name of Alexander. Callimachus

061 CRISPUSEMPEROR: Crispus
DENOMINATION: AE reduced follis
OBVERSE: IVL CRISPVS NOB C
REVERSE: VOT X within wreath, around which CAESARVM NOSTRORVM
EXERGUE: STR crescent
DATE: 323-324 AD
MINT: Trier
WEIGHT: 3.21 g
RIC: VII Trier 440
323-4 AD. VOT X Barnaba6

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 350GObv:- IMP CAE L SEP - SEV PERT AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:- ROMAE AE-TERNAE, Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory in right hand, spear in left.
Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 194
Reference:- RIC IV 350G; BMCRE 323; RSC 615maridvnvm

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 350GObv:- IMP CAE L SEP - SEV PERT AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:- ROMAE A-ETERNAE, Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory in right hand, spear in left.
Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 194
Reference:- RIC IV 350G; BMCRE 323; RSC 615 maridvnvm

064 - Septimius Severus denarius - RIC 457 var.Obv:– L SEPT SEV PERET AVG IMP II, Laureate head right
Rev:– MART VICTOR, Mars advancing right carrying spear and trophy
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare, A.D. 194
References:– RIC 457 var, RSC 323a var, BMCRE 108 note var. (all have PERTE where this coin has PERET in the obverse legend)maridvnvm

0688 Alexander III - AE 19Miletos ?
323-319 BC
head of young Heracles in lionskin righ
bow in quiver and club
AΛEΞANΔPOY
?
Price 2102?
7,1g 19mm
ex DionysosJ. B.

07. "Pella": Tetradrachm in the name of Alexander the Great.Tetradrachm, ca 315 - 310 BC, "Pella" mint.
Obverse: Head of Alexander as Herakles, wearing lion's skin headdress.
Reverse: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ / Zeus sitting, holding his attendant eagle and sceptre. Boeotian shield at left, Σ. between the rungs of the throne.
17.24 gm., 26 mm.
P. #250; PROa #135.

Alexander appointed Antipater regent in Macedon during his absence. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, Antipater continued ruling as regent until his own death in 319 BC. Thereafter his son Kassander ruled until 297 BC, eventually taking the title of King in 305 BC. He was notorious for his cruelty, and in 311 BC he killed Alexander's widow and her young son. The silver coinage of Kassander's reign was all issued in the name of Alexander.Callimachus

073a06. DiocletianAntoninianus, Antioch. AD 285. 22 mm, 3.8 g. Obv: IMP CC VAL DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG., radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter facing right, holding globe and sceptre, facing Hercules standing left, holding Victory on globe, club and lion's skin. A (?) in lower center. Mintmark dot XXI. RIC V-2, 323.lawrence c

083a09. Constantine IAE Follis. 19mm, 3.37 g. 323-324 AD. London mint. Obv: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, holding trophy and branch, spurning seated captive. Mintmark PLON crescent. London. RIC VII 289lawrence c

083a25. Constantine IAE3/4. London mint. 17mm, 2.13 g. 323-324 AD. Obv: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, holding trophy and branch, spurning seated captive. Mintmark PLON crescent. RIC VII London 289.lawrence c

083a29. Constantine IAE half follis, issued 310-311. Trier, 2.14g, 18mm. Obv: CONSTANTINVS AVG; Laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind. Rev: MARTI CONSERV; Mars standing right, holding reversed spear and round shield both set on ground; PTR in ex. RIC VI 896. AMMC Auction 3, Lot 323.
lawrence c

087a02. Constantine IIAs Caesar. 19mm, 3.17 g, London mint. 323-324 AD. Obv: CONSTANTINVS IVN NC, helmeted, cuirassed bust left. Rev: BEAT TRANQLITAS, globe on altar inscribed VOT-IS-XX, three stars above. Mintmark PLON. RIC VII London 287.lawrence c

087a06. Constantine IIAE3. 18mm, 2.16 g. Trier, 322-323 AD. Obv: CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate, draped bust left, holding Victory and mappa. Rev: BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, large globe on an altar inscribed VO-TIS- XX in three lines, three stars above. Mintmark STR dot. RIC 382.lawrence c

098 Postumus (260-269 A.D.), Trier, RIC V-II 323, AE-Antoninianus, PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, #1098 Postumus (260-269 A.D.), Trier, RIC V-II 323, AE-Antoninianus, PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, #1
avers: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers: PROVIDENT IA AVG, Providentia standing left,
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 21,5-22,5 mm, weight: 2,45g, axes: 1h,
mint: Trier, date: 263-265 A.D.,
ref: RIC V-II 323, RSC 295a, Sear 10979,
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

1. Alexander the Great, Silver Drachm336-323 BC
Obv. Herakles head right
Rev. Zeus seated leftEcgþeow

1010 Hadrian Denarius Roma 129-30 AD ClementiaReference.
RIC 1010; C. 233. BMC 539. RIC 207c; Strack 323

Bust C2

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate, draped bust viewed from side

Rev. CLEMENTIA AVG P P in ex. COS III
Clementia standing left with patera and sceptre.

2.89 gr
19 mm
6h1 commentsokidoki

1012 Hadrian Denarius Roma 129-30 AD Clementia Reference.
RIC 1012; C. 233. BMC 539. RIC 207c; Strack 323

Bust D2

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust viewed from side

Rev. CLEMENTIA AVG P P in ex. COS III
Clementia standing left with patera and sceptre.

3.46 gr
18 mm
6hokidoki

110. Trebonianus Gallus (251-253 A.D.)Av.: IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG
Rv.: LIBERTAS AVGG
Right: star

AR Antoninian Ø20 / 3g
RIC IV 38 Rome , RSC 63a
(Cohen: unregistered version of his No.63)

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Γ, AE-Antoninianus, ᴗ/Γ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Γ, AE-Antoninianus, ᴗ/Γ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, crescent, and Γ between.
exergue: ᴗ/Γ//XXI, diameter: 21,2-21,8mm, weight:4,01g, axes: 6h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Γ, p-256, Cohen 146,
Q-001quadrans

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Δ, AE-Antoninianus, */Δ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Δ, AE-Antoninianus, */Δ//XXI, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, star, and Δ between.
exergue: */Δ//XXI, diameter: 20,5-21,0mm, weight:3,60g, axes: 0h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Δ, p-256, Cohen 146,
Q-001quadrans

119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Z, AE-Antoninianus, Z//XXI•, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1119 Diocletianus (284-305 A.D.), Antioch, RIC V-II 323Z, AE-Antoninianus, Z//XXI•, IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVGG, Jupiter and Hercules, #1
avers: IMP C C VAL DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
revers: IOV ET HERCV CONSER AVG G, Jupiter, half-naked, standing right holding scepter and globe, facing Hercules with lionskin, club, and victory on the globe, Z between.
exergue: Z//XXI•, diameter: 22,3-23,8mm, weight:4,54g, axes: 6h,
mint: Antioch, date: 285 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 323Z, p-256,
Q-001quadrans

1308b, Licinius I, 308 - 324 A.D. (Siscia)Licinius I, 11 November 308 - 18 September 324 A.D. Bronze follis, RIC 4, F, Siscia, 3.257g, 21.6mm, 0o, 313 - 315 A.D. Obverse: IMP LIC LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate head right; Reverse IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN, Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe and scepter, eagle with wreath in beak left, E right, SIS in exergue.

De Imperatoribus Romanis : An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Licinius (308-324 A.D.)

Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Salve Regina University

Licinius' Heritage

Valerius Licinianus Licinius, more commonly known as Licinius, may have been born ca. 265. Of peasant origin, his family was from Dacia. A close friend and comrade of arms of the Emperor Galerius, he accompanied him on his Persian expedition in 297. When campaigns by Severus and Galerius in late 306 or early 307 and in the summer of 307, respectively, failed to dislodge Maxentius who, with the luke warm support of his father Maximianus Herculius, was acclaimed princeps on 28 October 306, he was sent by the eastern emperor to Maxentius as an ambassador; the diplomatic mission, however, failed because the usurper refused to submit to the authority of his father-in-law Galerius. At the Conference of Carnuntum which was held in October or November of 308, Licinius was made an Augustus on 11 November 308; his realm included Thrace, Illyricum, and Pannonia.

Licinius' Early Reign

Although Licinius was initially appointed by Galerius to replace Severus to end the revolt of Maxentius , Licinius (perhaps wisely) made no effort to move against the usurper. In fact, his first attested victory was against the Sarmatians probably in the late spring, but no later than the end of June in 310. When the Emperor Galerius died in 311, Licinius met Maximinus Daia at the Bosporus during the early summer of that year; they concluded a treaty and divided Galerius' realm between them. It was little more than a year later that the Emperor Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312. After the defeat of the usurper, Constantine and Licinius met at Mediolanum (Milan) where Licinius married the former's sister Constantia; one child was born of this union: Valerius Licinianus Licinius. Licinius had another son, born of a slave woman, whose name is unknown. It appears that both emperors promulgated the so-called Edict of Milan, in which Constantine and Licinius granted Christians the freedom to practice their faith without any interference from the state.

As soon as he seems to have learned about the marital alliance between Licinius and Constantine and the death of Maxentius, who had been his ally, Daia traversed Asia Minor and, in April 313, he crossed the Bosporus and went to Byzantium, which he took from Licinius after an eleven day siege. On 30 April 313 the armies of both emperors clashed on the Campus Ergenus; in the ensuing battle Daia's forces were routed. A last ditch stand by Daia at the Cilician Gates failed; the eastern emperor subsequently died in the area of Tarsus probably in July or August 313. As soon as he arrived in Nicomedeia, Licinius promulgated the Edict of Milan. As soon as he had matters in Nicomedeia straightened out, Licinius campaigned against the Persians in the remaining part of 313 and the opening months of 314.

The First Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine

Once Licinius had defeated Maximinus Daia, the sole rulers of the Roman world were he and Constantine. It is obvious that the marriage of Licinius to Constantia was simply a union of convenience. In any case, there is evidence in the sources that both emperors were looking for an excuse to attack the other. The affair involving Bassianus (the husband of Constantius I's daughter Anastasia ), mentioned in the text of Anonymus Valesianus (5.14ff), may have sparked the falling out between the two emperors. In any case, Constantine' s forces joined battle with those of Licinius at Cibalae in Pannonia on 8 October 314. When the battle was over, Constantine prevailed; his victory, however, was Pyrrhic. Both emperors had been involved in exhausting military campaigns in the previous year and the months leading up to Cibalae and each of their realms had expanded so fast that their manpower reserves must have been stretched to the limit. Both men retreated to their own territory to lick their wounds. It may well be that the two emperors made an agreement, which has left no direct trace in the historical record, which would effectively restore the status quo.

Both emperors were variously engaged in different activities between 315 and 316. In addition to campaigning against the Germans while residing in Augusta Treverorum (Trier) in 315, Constantine dealt with aspects of the Donatist controversy; he also traveled to Rome where he celebrated his Decennalia. Licinius, possibly residing at Sirmium, was probably waging war against the Goths. Although not much else is known about Licinius' activities during this period, it is probable that he spent much of his time preparing for his impending war against Constantine; the latter,who spent the spring and summer of 316 in Augusta Treverorum, was probably doing much the same thing. In any case, by December 316, the western emperor was in Sardica with his army. Sometime between 1 December and 28 February 317, both emperors' armies joined battle on the Campus Ardiensis; as was the case in the previous engagement, Constantine' s forces were victorious. On 1 March 317, both sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities; possibly because of the intervention of his wife Constantia, Licinius was able to keep his throne, although he had to agree to the execution of his colleague Valens, who the eastern emperor had appointed as his colleague before the battle, as well as to cede some of his territory to his brother-in-law.

Licinius and the Christians

Although the historical record is not completely clear, Licinius seems to have campaigned against the Sarmatians in 318. He also appears to have been in Byzantium in the summer of 318 and later in June 323. Beyond these few facts, not much else is known about his residences until mid summer of 324. Although he and Constantine had issued the Edict of Milan in early 313, Licinius turned on the Christians in his realm seemingly in 320. The first law that Licinius issued prevented bishops from communicating with each other and from holding synods to discuss matters of interest to them. The second law prohibited men and women from attending services together and young girls from receiving instruction from their bishop or schools. When this law was issued, he also gave orders that Christians could hold services only outside of city walls. Additionally, he deprived officers in the army of their commissions if they did not sacrifice to the gods. Licinius may have been trying to incite Constantine to attack him. In any case, the growing tension between the two rulers is reflected in the consular Fasti of the period.

The Second Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine and Licinius' Death

War actually broke out in 321 when Constantine pursued some Sarmatians, who had been ravaging some territory in his realm, across the Danube. When he checked a similar invasion of the Goths, who were devastating Thrace, Licinius complained that Constantine had broken the treaty between them. Having assembled a fleet and army at Thessalonica, Constantine advanced toward Adrianople. Licinius engaged the forces of his brother-in-law near the banks of the Hebrus River on 3 July 324 where he was routed; with as many men as he could gather, he headed for his fleet which was in the Hellespont. Those of his soldiers who were not killed or put to flight, surrendered to the enemy. Licinius fled to Byzantium, where he was besieged by Constantine. Licinius' fleet, under the command of the admiral Abantus, was overcome by bad weather and by Constantine' s fleet which was under the command of his son Crispus. Hard pressed in Byzantium, Licinius abandoned the city to his rival and fled to Chalcedon in Bithynia. Leaving Martinianus, his former magister officiorum and now his co-ruler, to impede Constantine' s progress, Licinius regrouped his forces and engaged his enemy at Chrysopolis where he was again routed on 18 September 324. He fled to Nicomedeia which Constantine began to besiege. On the next day Licinius abdicated and was sent to Thessalonica, where he was kept under house arrest. Both Licinius and his associate were put to death by Constantine. Martinianus may have been put to death before the end of 324, whereas Licinius was not put to death until the spring of 325. Rumors circulated that Licinius had been put to death because he attempted another rebellion against Constantine.

Copyright (C) 1996, Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

1308c, Licinius I, 308-324 A.D. (Alexandria)Licinius I, 308-324 A.D. AE Follis, 3.60g, VF, 315 A.D., Alexandria. Obverse: IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS P F AVG - Laureate head right; Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI AVGG - Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on a globe and scepter; exergue: ALE / (wreath) over "B" over "N." Ref: RIC VII, 10 (B = r2) Rare, page 705 - Hunterian Museum, Glasgow, Scotland.

De Imperatoribus Romanis : An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Licinius (308-324 A.D.)

Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Salve Regina University

Licinius' Heritage

Valerius Licinianus Licinius, more commonly known as Licinius, may have been born ca. 265. Of peasant origin, his family was from Dacia. A close friend and comrade of arms of the Emperor Galerius, he accompanied him on his Persian expedition in 297. When campaigns by Severus and Galerius in late 306 or early 307 and in the summer of 307, respectively, failed to dislodge Maxentius who, with the luke warm support of his father Maximianus Herculius, was acclaimed princeps on 28 October 306, he was sent by the eastern emperor to Maxentius as an ambassador; the diplomatic mission, however, failed because the usurper refused to submit to the authority of his father-in-law Galerius. At the Conference of Carnuntum which was held in October or November of 308, Licinius was made an Augustus on 11 November 308; his realm included Thrace, Illyricum, and Pannonia.

Licinius' Early Reign

Although Licinius was initially appointed by Galerius to replace Severus to end the revolt of Maxentius , Licinius (perhaps wisely) made no effort to move against the usurper. In fact, his first attested victory was against the Sarmatians probably in the late spring, but no later than the end of June in 310. When the Emperor Galerius died in 311, Licinius met Maximinus Daia at the Bosporus during the early summer of that year; they concluded a treaty and divided Galerius' realm between them. It was little more than a year later that the Emperor Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312. After the defeat of the usurper, Constantine and Licinius met at Mediolanum (Milan) where Licinius married the former's sister Constantia; one child was born of this union: Valerius Licinianus Licinius. Licinius had another son, born of a slave woman, whose name is unknown. It appears that both emperors promulgated the so-called Edict of Milan, in which Constantine and Licinius granted Christians the freedom to practice their faith without any interference from the state.

As soon as he seems to have learned about the marital alliance between Licinius and Constantine and the death of Maxentius, who had been his ally, Daia traversed Asia Minor and, in April 313, he crossed the Bosporus and went to Byzantium, which he took from Licinius after an eleven day siege. On 30 April 313 the armies of both emperors clashed on the Campus Ergenus; in the ensuing battle Daia's forces were routed. A last ditch stand by Daia at the Cilician Gates failed; the eastern emperor subsequently died in the area of Tarsus probably in July or August 313. As soon as he arrived in Nicomedeia, Licinius promulgated the Edict of Milan. As soon as he had matters in Nicomedeia straightened out, Licinius campaigned against the Persians in the remaining part of 313 and the opening months of 314.

The First Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine

Once Licinius had defeated Maximinus Daia, the sole rulers of the Roman world were he and Constantine. It is obvious that the marriage of Licinius to Constantia was simply a union of convenience. In any case, there is evidence in the sources that both emperors were looking for an excuse to attack the other. The affair involving Bassianus (the husband of Constantius I's daughter Anastasia ), mentioned in the text of Anonymus Valesianus (5.14ff), may have sparked the falling out between the two emperors. In any case, Constantine' s forces joined battle with those of Licinius at Cibalae in Pannonia on 8 October 314. When the battle was over, Constantine prevailed; his victory, however, was Pyrrhic. Both emperors had been involved in exhausting military campaigns in the previous year and the months leading up to Cibalae and each of their realms had expanded so fast that their manpower reserves must have been stretched to the limit. Both men retreated to their own territory to lick their wounds. It may well be that the two emperors made an agreement, which has left no direct trace in the historical record, which would effectively restore the status quo.

Both emperors were variously engaged in different activities between 315 and 316. In addition to campaigning against the Germans while residing in Augusta Treverorum (Trier) in 315, Constantine dealt with aspects of the Donatist controversy; he also traveled to Rome where he celebrated his Decennalia. Licinius, possibly residing at Sirmium, was probably waging war against the Goths. Although not much else is known about Licinius' activities during this period, it is probable that he spent much of his time preparing for his impending war against Constantine; the latter,who spent the spring and summer of 316 in Augusta Treverorum, was probably doing much the same thing. In any case, by December 316, the western emperor was in Sardica with his army. Sometime between 1 December and 28 February 317, both emperors' armies joined battle on the Campus Ardiensis; as was the case in the previous engagement, Constantine' s forces were victorious. On 1 March 317, both sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities; possibly because of the intervention of his wife Constantia, Licinius was able to keep his throne, although he had to agree to the execution of his colleague Valens, who the eastern emperor had appointed as his colleague before the battle, as well as to cede some of his territory to his brother-in-law.

Licinius and the Christians

Although the historical record is not completely clear, Licinius seems to have campaigned against the Sarmatians in 318. He also appears to have been in Byzantium in the summer of 318 and later in June 323. Beyond these few facts, not much else is known about his residences until mid summer of 324. Although he and Constantine had issued the Edict of Milan in early 313, Licinius turned on the Christians in his realm seemingly in 320. The first law that Licinius issued prevented bishops from communicating with each other and from holding synods to discuss matters of interest to them. The second law prohibited men and women from attending services together and young girls from receiving instruction from their bishop or schools. When this law was issued, he also gave orders that Christians could hold services only outside of city walls. Additionally, he deprived officers in the army of their commissions if they did not sacrifice to the gods. Licinius may have been trying to incite Constantine to attack him. In any case, the growing tension between the two rulers is reflected in the consular Fasti of the period.

The Second Civil War Between Licinius and Constantine and Licinius' Death

War actually broke out in 321 when Constantine pursued some Sarmatians, who had been ravaging some territory in his realm, across the Danube. When he checked a similar invasion of the Goths, who were devastating Thrace, Licinius complained that Constantine had broken the treaty between them. Having assembled a fleet and army at Thessalonica, Constantine advanced toward Adrianople. Licinius engaged the forces of his brother-in-law near the banks of the Hebrus River on 3 July 324 where he was routed; with as many men as he could gather, he headed for his fleet which was in the Hellespont. Those of his soldiers who were not killed or put to flight, surrendered to the enemy. Licinius fled to Byzantium, where he was besieged by Constantine. Licinius' fleet, under the command of the admiral Abantus, was overcome by bad weather and by Constantine' s fleet which was under the command of his son Crispus. Hard pressed in Byzantium, Licinius abandoned the city to his rival and fled to Chalcedon in Bithynia. Leaving Martinianus, his former magister officiorum and now his co-ruler, to impede Constantine' s progress, Licinius regrouped his forces and engaged his enemy at Chrysopolis where he was again routed on 18 September 324. He fled to Nicomedeia which Constantine began to besiege. On the next day Licinius abdicated and was sent to Thessalonica, where he was kept under house arrest. Both Licinius and his associate were put to death by Constantine. Martinianus may have been put to death before the end of 324, whereas Licinius was not put to death until the spring of 325. Rumors circulated that Licinius had been put to death because he attempted another rebellion against Constantine.

Copyright (C) 1996, Michael DiMaio, Jr.
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

132 - Probus - RIC 323 Bust type C (Ticinum) (SXXT)Obv:– IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear
Rev:– CONCORD AVG, Concordia standing right, holding two ensigns and facing Sol standing left, right hand raised, left holding globe
Minted in Ticinum (SXXT in exe) Emission 2 Officina 2. A.D. 276
Reference:– RIC 323 Bust type C1 commentsmaridvnvm

1323 Hadrian, Cistophorus MYSIA Pergamum mint, bundle of six grain stalksReference.
RPC III, 1323; Metcalf 2; RIC 518; C. 440

Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Bare head, draped bust right, seen from

Rev. COS III
Bundle of six grain stalks

10.96 gr
28 mm
12hokidoki

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Aquilea, RIC VI 097, AE-1 Follis, -/-//AQΓ, VIRTVS AVGG ET CAESS NN, Mars right, R!136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Aquilea, RIC VI 097, AE-1 Follis, -/-//AQΓ, VIRTVS AVG G ET CAES S N N, Mars right, R!
avers:- CONSTANTINVS NOB CAES, Laurete,helmeted and cuirassed bust right, pointing spear upwards,shield on left arm.
revers:- VIRTVS AV G G ET CAES S N N, Mars helmeted, advancing right, right holding transverse spear,trophy over the left shoulder.
exergo: -/-//AQΓ, diameter: 29mm, weight: 8,57g, axis: 1h,
mint: Aquilea, 3rd.off., date: 306-07 A.D., ref: RIC VI 97, p-323, R!
Q-0011 commentsquadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 389, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•PTRCrescent, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Altar,136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 389, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•PTRCrescent, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Altar,
avers:- CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, D2, Helmeted cuirassed head right.
revers:- BEATA TRAN QVILLITAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX, above tree stars.
exerg: -/-//•PTRCrescent, diameter: 19-19,5mm, weight: 4,81g, axes: 6h,
mint: Trier, date: 323 A.D., ref: RIC VII 389, p-199, c2,
Q-001quadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 389, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•STR Crescent, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Altar,136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 389, AE-3 Follis, -/-//•STR Crescent, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Altar,
avers:- CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, D2, Helmeted cuirassed head right.
revers:- BEATA TRANQ VILLITAS, Globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX, above tree stars.
exerg: -/-//•STR Crescent, diameter: 18,5-20 mm, weight: 2,99g, axes: 1h,
mint: Trier, date: 323 A.D., ref: RIC VII 389, p-199, c2,
Q-001quadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 429P, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTR, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #1136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 429P, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTR, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #1
avers:- CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1,B1, Laureate head right.
rever:- SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, stepping on captive, holding trophy and palm.
exergo: -/-//PTR, diameter: 17,5-18,5mm, weight: 2,94g , axis: 6h,
mint: Trier, 1st off., date: 323-324 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-429P, p-201,
Q-001quadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #1136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #1
avers: CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, B1, Laureate head right.
reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, stepping on captive, holding trophy and palm.
exergue: -/-//PTRCrescent, diameter: 18,0-18,8mm, weight: 2,42g, axis: 5h,
mint: Trier, 1st off., date: 323-324 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 435, p-202,
Q-001quadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #2136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, #2
avers: CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, B1, Laureate head right.
reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, stepping on captive, holding trophy and palm.
exergue: -/-//PTRCrescent, diameter: 17,3-18,9mm, weight: 2,27g, axis: 5h,
mint: Trier, 1st off., date: 323-324 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 435, p-202,
Q-0021 commentsquadrans

136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435var, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, double Follis !!!, Not in RIC !136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Trier, RIC VII 435var, AE-3 Follis, -/-//PTRCrescent, SARMATIA DEVICTA, double Follis !!!, Not in RIC!
avers: CONSTAN TINVS AVG, 1, B1, Laureate head right.
reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA, Victory advancing right, stepping on captive, holding trophy and palm.
exergue: -/-//PTRCrescent, diameter: 20mm, weight: 5,22g !!! , thickness: 2,6mm !!! , axis: 6h,
mint: Trier, 1st off., date: 323-324 A.D.,
ref: RIC VII 435var., p-202,
Q-001quadrans

14 Constantius IIDN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right, A behind/FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO soldier spearing Horseman, Phrygian helmet, sitting on ground, arm(s) up, A in left field, TS Delta in ex
Thessalonica 129 scarce.2 commentsRandygeki(h2)

1404a, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC 17, aEF, Cyzicus mint, 3.196g, 19.9mm, 315o, 321 - 324 A.D.; Obverse: D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe in right and scepter in left, eagle with wreath in beak to left, X / IIG and captive right, SMKD in exergue; scarce (RIC R3). Ex FORVM.

De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families

Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)

Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm

What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

1404b, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. (Thessalonica)Bronze AE 3, RIC 118, VF, Thessalonica mint, 2.740g, 18.0mm, 180o, 320 - 321 A.D. Obverse: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left; Reverse: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT V in wreath, TSDVI in exergue.

Flavius Julius Crispus was the son of Constantine I by his first wife. A brilliant soldier, Crispus was well loved by all until 326 A.D., when Constantine had him executed. It is said that Fausta, Crispus stepmother, anxious to secure the succession for her own sons falsely accused Crispus of raping her. Constantine, learning of Fausta`s treachery, had her executed too.

De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families

Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)

Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm

What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

1405a, Constans, 9 September 337 - 19 January 350 A.D. (Alexandria)Bronze AE 4, RIC 37, gVF, Egypt, Alexandria, 1.54g, 15.0mm, 180o, 345-347 A.D. Obverse: D N CONSTANS P F AVG, pearl diademed head right; Reverse: VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath, SMALA• in exergue.

Flavius Julius Constans, third and youngest son of Constantine I and Fausta, was born between 320 and 323 A.D. Primary sources for the life and reign of Constans I are scarce. To reconstruct his life and career, one must draw on a variety of references in both fourth century and later works. Raised as a Christian, he was made a Caesar on 25 December 333 A.D. Constans I and his two brothers, after the death of their father on 22 May 337 and the subsequent "massacre of the princes" in which many other relatives were purged, met in the first part of September 337 in Pannonia to re-divide the empire among themselves. There they were acclaimed Augusti by the army. Constans' new realm included Italy, Africa, Illyricum, Macedonia, and Achaea. Shortly before his father's death, Constans' engagement to Olympias, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect Ablabius, was announced; although the match was never solemnized because of political reasons.

It would appear that Constans was successful in the military sphere. Following his accession to the purple in 337, he seems to have won a victory over the Sarmatians. In 340 Constans was able to beat back an attempt by his brother Constantine II to seize some of his realm. The latter died in a battle fought near Aquileia and Constans absorbed his late brother's territory. In 341 and 342 he conducted a successful campaign against the Franci. He also visited Britain in 343, probably on a military campaign.

As an emperor Constans gets mixed reviews. In what may be a topos, sources suggest that the first part of his reign was moderate but in later years, however, he became overbearing. The emperor apparently attempted to obtain as much money as he could from his subjects and sold government posts to the highest bidder. His favorites were allowed to oppress his subjects. Sources also condemn his homosexuality. He did have some military success and, in addition to other military threats, he had to deal with Donatist-related bandits in North Africa.

Like his father Constantine I and his brother Constantius II, Constans had a deep interest in Christianity. Together with Constantius II he issued (or perhaps re-issued) a ban against pagan sacrifice in 341. The next year, they cautioned against the destruction of pagan temples. Unlike his brother Constantius II, who supported the Arian faction, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Athanasius and other members of the Orthodox clique. In fact, it is due to his request that the Council of Serdica was called to deal with the ecclesiastical squabble between Athanasius of Alexandria and Paul of Constantinople on one side and the Arian faction on the other.

When Magnentius was declared emperor in Gaul during January 350, Constans realized his reign was at an end. When he learned of the revolt, he fled toward Helena, a town in the Pyrenees. Constans was put to death by Gaeso and a band of Magnentius' assassins, who dragged their victim from a temple in which he had sought refuge.

By Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University and Robert Frakes, Clarion UniversityPublished: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

Cleisthenes

1405n, Constans, 9 September 337 - 19 January 350 A.D. (Siscia)Constans, 9 September 337 - 19 January 350 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC 241, S 3978, VM 69, VF, Siscia, 2.32g, 18.3mm, 180o. Obverse: D N CONSTANS P F AVG, pearl diademed draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Phoenix radiate, standing on rocky mound, GSIS and symbol in ex; nice green patina.

Flavius Julius Constans, third and youngest son of Constantine I and Fausta, was born between 320 and 323 A.D. Primary sources for the life and reign of Constans I are scarce. To reconstruct his life and career, one must draw on a variety of references in both fourth century and later works. Raised as a Christian, he was made a Caesar on 25 December 333 A.D. Constans I and his two brothers, after the death of their father on 22 May 337 and the subsequent "massacre of the princes" in which many other relatives were purged, met in the first part of September 337 in Pannonia to re-divide the empire among themselves. There they were acclaimed Augusti by the army. Constans' new realm included Italy, Africa, Illyricum, Macedonia, and Achaea. Shortly before his father's death, Constans' engagement to Olympias, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect Ablabius, was announced; although the match was never solemnized because of political reasons.

It would appear that Constans was successful in the military sphere. Following his accession to the purple in 337, he seems to have won a victory over the Sarmatians. In 340 Constans was able to beat back an attempt by his brother Constantine II to seize some of his realm. The latter died in a battle fought near Aquileia and Constans absorbed his late brother's territory. In 341 and 342 he conducted a successful campaign against the Franci. He also visited Britain in 343, probably on a military campaign.

As an emperor Constans gets mixed reviews. In what may be a topos, sources suggest that the first part of his reign was moderate but in later years, however, he became overbearing. The emperor apparently attempted to obtain as much money as he could from his subjects and sold government posts to the highest bidder. His favorites were allowed to oppress his subjects. Sources also condemn his homosexuality. He did have some military success and, in addition to other military threats, he had to deal with Donatist-related bandits in North Africa.

Like his father Constantine I and his brother Constantius II, Constans had a deep interest in Christianity. Together with Constantius II he issued (or perhaps re-issued) a ban against pagan sacrifice in 341. The next year, they cautioned against the destruction of pagan temples. Unlike his brother Constantius II, who supported the Arian faction, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Athanasius and other members of the Orthodox clique. In fact, it is due to his request that the Council of Serdica was called to deal with the ecclesiastical squabble between Athanasius of Alexandria and Paul of Constantinople on one side and the Arian faction on the other.

When Magnentius was declared emperor in Gaul during January 350, Constans realized his reign was at an end. When he learned of the revolt, he fled toward Helena, a town in the Pyrenees. Constans was put to death by Gaeso and a band of Magnentius' assassins, who dragged their victim from a temple in which he had sought refuge.

By Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University and Robert Frakes, Clarion University
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.Cleisthenes

1385 files on 16 page(s)