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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Themes & Provenance| ▸ |Types| ▸ |Happy Days||View Options:   | | | The reverse legend FEL TEMP REPARATIO was used on coins from the time of Constans and Constantius II to that of Gratian (337 to 375). Although the intended reading of this legend is not completely certain, it most likely reads, FELicium TEMPorum REPARATIO, meaning "re-establishment of the happy times." We prefer to loosely translate it to the more current and lyrical expression, "Happy Days are Here Again!" From the coins below, it seems the Romans had a very different concept of what made for happy times. |
Serenianus a general with a reputation for cruelty, was once the executioner of Constantius Gallus, and had previously served as Valens' comes domesticorum (commander of the imperial bodyguard). After Procopius rebelled, loyal to Valens, he went to Cyzicus, where an imperial officer named Venustus had retreated with money intended to pay the troops. Serenianus was confident in the city garrison and in the strength of the city walls, but Procopius wanted the payroll. He collected a strong army, besieged and captured the city. Serenianus was sent as a prisoner to Nicaea. During the night after Procopius was killed, Marcellus, a relative of Procopius in command of the garrison of Nicaea, entered the Palace where Serenianus was held, and killed him. Marcellus was later captured and executed.RL110796. Bronze centenionalis, LRBC II 1928, RIC IX Nicomedia 10.4 (R3), Cohen VIII 8, SRCV V 19884, aVF, well centered, near full legends, green patina, highlighting red earthen deposits, small edge splits, weight 2.842 g, maximum diameter 18.9 mm, die axis 0o, 1st officina, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, 28 Sep 365 - Apr 366 A.D.; obverse D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed draped and cuirassed bust left; reverse REPARATIO FEL TEMP (happy times restored), Procopius standing facing, head right, labarum in right hand, resting left hand on grounded shield, uncertain object at feet,
(Christ monogram) in upper right field, SMNA in exergue; very rare; $150.00 (€151.50) 
Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D.
In 353, Constantius II assembled a conciliabulum (an assembly of bishops) at Arles and condemned Athanasius the Patriarch (archbishop) of Alexandria. Athanasius struggled against the Emperors Constantine, Constantius II, Julian the Apostate and Valens. He was known as "Athanasius Contra Mundum" (Athanasius Against the World). Nonetheless, within a few years of his death, St. Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "Pillar of the Church." His writings have been well regarded by all Church fathers who followed, in both the West and the East. Athanasius is counted as one of the four great Eastern Doctors of the Church in the Roman Catholic Church. In Eastern Orthodoxy, he is labeled the "Father of Orthodoxy." Some Protestants label him "Father of The Canon." Athanasius is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches, the Lutherans, and the Anglican Communion.RL110733. Bronze reduced maiorina, Hunter V 155 (also 2nd officina), RIC VIII Alexandria 80 and 82, LRBC II 2844 and 2846, SRCV V 18288, Cohen VII 47, VF/F, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, tight flan, marks, porosity, weight 7.644 g, maximum diameter 22.4 mm, die axis 135o, 2nd officina, Egypt, Alexandria mint, 15 Mar 351 - 3 Nov 361 A.D.; obverse D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse FEL TEMP - REPARATIO (happy times restored), soldier standing left spearing fallen horseman, horseman wears pointed cap, turns to face soldier and extends left arm, shield on the ground right, ALEB in exergue; $30.00 (€30.30)
Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D.
In 353, Constantius II sent his official Paulus Catena to Britain to hunt down supporters of Magnentius. Flavius Martinus, vicarius of Britain and supporter of Constantius, opposed the persecutions, he was then accused by Catena of being a traitor. In response, Martinus tried to kill Catena with a sword, he failed and then committed suicide.RL110812. Billon heavy maiorina, RIC VIII Nicomedia 89, LRBC II 2304, Voetter 28, SRCV V 18161, Cohen VII 46, F, green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, weight 4.570 g, maximum diameter 19.2 mm, die axis 0o, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey) mint, c. 352 - 353 A.D.; obverse D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, ∆ behind; reverse FEL TEMP REPARATIO (happy times restored), soldier standing left spearing fallen horseman, SMN[...] in exergue; $26.00 (€26.26)
Fel. Temp. Reparatio
An article originally published in Numismatic Chronicle,1933, pp. 182-201, and plates xvii and xviii. Mattingly discusses his ideas about the various coins of the FEL TEMP REPARATIO series of the late 340s and early 350s.BL43189. "Fel. Temp. Reparatio" by Harold Mattingly, Numismatic Chronicle reprint series, Attic Books 1977 reprint, paperback booklet, 5.5" x 8.5", 23 pages with 2 plates; $3.00 (€3.03)
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