ConstantiusII

Coins of the Roman Emperor Constantius II
(Caesar 324-337 and Augustus 337-361)
All his types of bronze coins.
(Skip down to the images of each type.)

This site has 4 pages:
1) This page which lists all the types in tables with their images further down this page.
(There is a similar page for coins of Constans.)
(Image to the right: Constantius II, type F411.)
2) A page with additional images of FEL TEMP REPARATIO coins.
3) A page with additional images of types of Vetranio
4) A page with additional images of other types.

What's in the tables? The tables below lists a type set for Constantius II. It list all 39 of his bronze reverse types, but not varieties. Images are below. The same basic reverse design and legend from different mints is regarded as one type. My use of the terms type and variety is discussed below. The primary references are RIC VII and RIC VIII, but many types are issued from many mints and several obverses and would not have a unique RIC ID number, so I have chosen to use Failmezger numbers because his ID numbers are for reverse types. What this page contributes is the extraction of the types of one emperor--Constantius II.

Types of Constantius II fall into five broad categories:
1) Types as Caesar (324-337) Table 1.
2) Types as Augustus before the coin-reform of 348 (337-348) Table 2.
3) FEL TEMPREPARATIO types of the reform of 348. Table 3.
4) Types issued by Vetranio (March 1, 350 to Dec 25, 350) in the name of Constantius II. Table 4.
5) other post-reform types (348-361) Table 5.

Note for collectors: You are welcome to copy these tables to use them as a checklist.

Table 1: Constantius II **as Caesar** (324-337), under Constantine
Failmezger #(image link) AE size	Type (images below)	Rarity
F338, AE3	CONSTANTIVS CAESAR horizontally, anepigraphic obverse	S
F342, AE3	VOT V in wreath, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM (Only Thessalonica)	S
F354-5, AE3	PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, campgate	C
F361-2 AE3	VIRTVS CAESS, campgate	S
F365, AE4	GLORIA EXERCITVS two soldiers and two standards	C
F372, AE4	GLORIA EXERCITVS, two soldiers and one standard (This type is also used as Augustus, F381)	C
F371, AE4	CONSTANTIVS CAES, Roma standing left holds transverse spear and Victory (RIC VII Rome 410, "r5")	RRR
F375, AE4	SECVRITAS REIPVB, Securitas leans on column (This type is also used as Augustus, F386)	R

Table 2: Constantius II **as Augustus, pre-reform** (337-348)
Failmezger #(image link) AE size	Type (images below)	Rarity
F381, AE4	GLORIA EXERCITVS two soldier and one standard (had also been used as Caesar, F372)	C
F386, AE4	SECVRITAS REIP, Securitas leans on column (had also been used as Caesar, F375)	S
F388, AE4	VIRTVS AVGG NN, emperor with spear and shield. Only Trier	R
F389, AE4	VIRTVS AVGVSTI, emperor with spear and shield. Only Rome	RR
F392, 394 AE4	VICT AVG[G], Victory with wreath and palm. Only Alexandria and Antioch	S
F394, AE4	VICTORIA AVGG, Victory with wreath and palm, sometimes with chi-rho in left field	S
F396, AE4	VICTORIA AVGG, Victory with two wreaths, sometimes with chi-rho in right field.	S
F unlisted, AE4	VICTORIA AVGVSTORV, Victory standing left with wreath and palm (RIC VIII Lugdunum 36 "R")	RR
F398, AE4	VICTORIAE DD AVGG Q NN, two Victories facing each other	C
F401, AE4	VOT XV MVLT XX in wreath. Only Antioch	R
F402, AE4	VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath	C

Table 3: Constantius II, post-reform
**FEL TEMP REPARATIO** types (348-361)
Failmzger #(image link) AE size	Type (images)	Rarity
F409, 461-4 AE2-3	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, soldier spearing fallen horseman (comes in various sizes 24-17 mm)	C
F408, F426 AE2	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor on galley, holds phoenix or Victory, Victory at rudder (This is an AE2. The AE3 is next)	C
F414, AE3	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor on galley, holds phoenix or Victory (AE3, similar to but smaller than the previous type--thought to be a half denomination)	C
F410, AE2	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor leads barbarian from hut underneath a tree (different varieties for each mint)	C
F411, AE2	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor with two captives to left	C
F412, AE2	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, horseman rides down two foes	RR
F425, AE2	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor and one captive to left. Only Thessalonica.	R
F413, F451 AE3	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, phoenix on pyre (looks like a pile of rocks)	C
F413, AE3	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, phoenix on globe	S
F465, AE3	FEL TEMP REPARATIO, large M in center. Only Rome. (RIC VIII Rome 313, "R3")	RRR

Table 4: **Issued by Vetranio** (350) in the name of Constantius II
Failmezger #(image link) AE size	Type (images)	Rarity
F415, AE2	CONCORDIA MILITVM, emperor with two standards with chi-rhos	S
F416, AE2	HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS, Emperor standing holding standard with chi-rho, to r. is Victory, crowning him with wreath and holding palm branch	S
F418, AE3	GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor standing front, holding standard with chi-rho and reversed spear.	R
F419, AE3	VIRTVS AVGVSTORVM, Emperor standing right holding spear and globe, kicking captive.	R

Table 5: Constantius II, **other post-reform** types (348-361)
Failmezger #(image link) AE size	Type (images)	Rarity
F429, AE2	GLORIA ROMANORVM, horseman spears foe	S
F431, AE2	GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor raises city of Aquileia. Only Aquileia. (RIC VIII Aquileia 186, "R4")	RRR
F433, AE2	SALVS AVG NOSTRI, large chi-rho. Only Trier.	S
F466, AE3	SPES REIPVBLICAE, emperor stands with globe and reversed spear	C
F442, AE2	VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES, two Victories hold shield inscribed VOT XXX, chi-rho above. (RIC VIII Rome 251-2 "R2")	RR
F455, AE4	VICTORIA AVGVSTORM, Victory adv left holding up wreath in each hand. Only Siscia and Sirmium.	RR
F456, AE4	VICTORIA CAESARIS, Victory adv left with wreath and palm. Only at Siscia.	RR

Constantius II, as Caesar, 324-337. From Table 1.

F338: CONSTAN/TIVS/CAESAR, Anepigraphic obverse.

Anepigraphic.
CONSTAN/TIVS/CAESAR/

SMANTS
This example: 18 mm. RIC VII Antioch 60.

Note for collectors: Anepigrapic coins like this were issued for Constantine, Crispus, Constantine II, Constantius II, Helena, and Fausta. For Constantius II they are common from Antioch and rare from the other mints.

F342: [no image] VOT V in wreath, CAESARVM NOSTRORVM. Only Thessalonica. [RIC Thessalonica 129, 130, r5 and r2] This type is more common for the other Caesars (Constantine II, Crispus, and Licinius II).

F354-355: PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, normally with two beacons (F354), but sometimes with three (F355).

PROVIDENTIAE CAESS
campgate

This example: 18 mm. RIC VII Nicomedia 128.

Note for collectors: Commonly known as a "campgate" it might really be a city gate. Some collectors care about different mints and the number of towers (or "beacons", according to Failmezger) on top, and some even care about the number of rows of stones, which can vary from 6 to 16. Another difference of interest is the doorway. Is a door visible? Is it open?

(Other examples)

F361-2: VIRTVS CAESS, campgate

VIRTVS CAESS
campgate

This example: 19-18 mm. RIC VII Arles 315.

Note for collectors: The number of projections at the top might be four (as here (F361) or three (F362). The variety with three beacons is rarer. This example has only 5 layers of stonework.

F365: GLORIA EXERCITVS, two soldiers and two standards

GLORIA EXERCITVS
two soldiers and two standards

This example: 19-18 mm. RIC VII Rome 329.

Note for collectors: This is a very common type from many mints. It was also commonly imitated in ancient times, especially in Britain.
There are many minor varieties and some major varieties
with a chi-rho between the standards (only at Arles = Constantina)
with a cross low between the standards (only at Aquileia).

(Other examples)

F372: GLORIA EXERCITVS, with one soldier and one standard (as Caesar)

Constantius II, as Caesar
GLORIA EXERCITVS
two soldiers and one standard.

This example: 16 mm. RIC VII Arles 383 or 396.

Note for collectors: This is a very common type from many mints. It was also commonly imitated in ancient times, especially in Britain. This reverse for Constantius II as Caesar was continued for Constantius II as Augustus.
This type has an important variety with a chi-rho on the standard (this coin) which is issued during Constantine's lifetime. We know because Constantius II is Caesar and not yet Augustus. Only from Arles = Constantina (at the time Arelate was renamed Constantina for Constantine II. The "CONS" in the mintmark can be confused with Constantinople). There are similar coins with a chi-rho on the standard from Sisica (F381), but they are with Constantius II as Augustus and therefore not during the lifetime of Constantine.

F371: CONSTANTIVS CAES [no image] Roma holds Victory. RIC VII Rome 410, "r5"

F375: SECVRITAS REIPVB [no image as Caesar, but see the similar F385 as Augustus] Securitas leans on column

Constantius II as Augustus, pre-reform, 337-348. From Table 2.

F381: GLORIA EXERCITVS, with one soldier and one standard (as Augustus)

Constantius II, as Augustus
GLORIA EXERCITVS, two soldiers and one standard

This example: 15 mm. RIC VIII Alexandria 19.

Note for collectors: This is a very common type from many mints. It was also commonly imitated in ancient times, especially in Britain. This type with Constantius II as Augustus with with a chi-rho on the standard was issued 337-340, not during Constantine's lifetime.
The silvering on this example is very unusual.
(Other examples)

F386: SECVRITAS REIP

SECVRITAS REIP
Securitas leans on column

This example: 15 mm. RIC VIII Rome 33.

Note for collectors: This type is scarce and usually crowded. There is a similar type as Caesar with the legend two letters longer: SECVRITAS REIPVB (F375, no image).

F388: VIRTVS AVGG NN

VIRTVS AVGG NN
emperor with spear and shield.

Only at Trier.
15-14 mm. RIC VIII Trier 74

Note for collectors: This type is rare.

F389: VIRTVS AVGVSTI [no image] emperor with spear and shield. Only Rome.

F392: VICT AVG[G]

VICT AVG
Victory with wreath and palm.

This example: 17-15 mm. RIC VIII Antioch 65.

Note for collectors: This type is common. There a similar type with "AVGG" (two Gs) only at Alexandria, shared with Constans, which is rare.

F394: VICTORIA AVGG

VICTORIA AVGG
Victory with wreath and palm, chi-rho in left field.
Only Siscia.

This example: 17-15 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 176.

Note for collectors: This type has an early Christian symbol in the field. It is scarce.

F396: VICTORIA AVGG

VICTORIA AVGG
Victory with two wreaths, chi-rho in right field.
Only Siscia.

This example: 16 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 180.

Note for collectors: This type has an early Christian symbol in the field. It is scarce.

F unlisted. It might become F396B: VICTORIA AVGVSTORV

VICTORIA AVGVSTORV
Victory standing left with wreath and palm
Only at Lugdunum (= Lyons).

This example: 14 mm. RIC VIII Lugdunum 36 "R"

Note for collectors: This type is very rare.

F398: VICTORIAE DD AVGG Q NN

VICTORIAE DD AVGG Q NN
two Victories facing each other

This example: 16 mm. RIC VIII Thessalonica 99.

Note for collectors: This type is very common. Decades ago it was seldom offered because it was too common and too inexpensive to bother trying to sell it!

F401: [no image] VOT XV MVLT XX in wreath. Only Antioch. RIC VIII Antioch 114, 119 "R, 347-348". Rare. Note for collectors: This type is often crowded so the obverse legend is unclear and this type for Constans can be mistakenly attributed to Constantius II. As I write (in 2023), all of the few vcoins examples that are attributed to Constantius II are actually coins of Constans with their obverse legends difficult to read.

F402: VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath

VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath

This example. 14 mm. RIC VIII Antioch 113.

Note for collectors: This type is very common.

Constantius II, FEL TEMP REPARATIO types (348-361). From Table 3.

F409: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, soldier spearing fallen horseman

FEL TEMP REPARATIO
soldier spearing fallen horseman
This type comes in various sizes 24-17 mm.
(See the next photo for relative sizes)

This example: 25-23 mm. RIC VIII Antioch 132.

Note for collectors: This type is very common. It is widely collected by mint and by position of the "fallen horseman" (which can be "reaches back," like this example, or "kneels" or "sits [next to the horse] " or "clutches [the horse]"
Its size declined rapidly over time (see the next image).
Some varieties have special interest, such as those with LXXII in the field (coin), for "72" coins to the pound.
Because they are common and inexpensive in nice shape from many mints in many varieties, they make an interesting series to collect.

(Other examples)

F408: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor on galley, AE2

FEL TEMP REPARATIO,
emperor on galley, holds phoenix or Victory
(The design also comes as an AE3, next)

This example: 25 mm. RIC VIII Rome 115.

Note for collectors: This type is common. This example has the emperor holding a phoenix, while some have the emperor holding Victory crowning him.

(Other examples)

F414: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor on galley, AE3

FEL TEMP REPARATIO,
emperor on galley, holds phoenix or Victory

This example: 18 mm. RIC VIII Thessalonica 119.
Possibly a half-denomination.

This is the smaller size of the "galley" type.

Note for collectors: This example may actually be a different denomination, 1/2 the other. On the other hand, it might just be a later, smaller, version. An image above shows that the soldier-spearing-fallen-horseman type declined in size over time, with no obvious line of distinction that suggests the smaller ones are a half denomination. However, these galley types come in two distinct sizes, without the intermediate sizes found for the soldier-spearing-fallen-horseman type.

F410: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, hut

FEL TEMP REPARATIO,
emperor leads barbarian from hut
underneath a tree
(different varieties of tree for each mint)

This example: 20 mm. RIC VIII Trier 222.
Trier 222

Note for collectors: This type is very common for Constans, but less so for Constantius II. It is common. Of interest is that each mint has a distinctly different type of tree.

F411: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor with two captives

FEL TEMP REPARATIO
emperor with two captives to left

This example: 20 mm. RIC VIII Nicomedia 67

Note for collectors: This type is very common. The two captives can be almost standing, as here, or kneeling. This example has a standard with a chi-rho. Others have a cross or a cross-rho. On some it just looks like an X.

F412: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, horseman rides down two foes

FEL TEMP REPARATIO,
horseman rides down two foes
Only at Rome.

This example: 21-20 mm. RIC VIII Rome 184, "R2".

Note for collectors: This is the rarest FTR type available (F465 is never offered) and, as such, it is highly desirable. The detail on this example is outstanding.

F425: FEL TEMP REPARATIO, emperor and one captive

FEL TEMP REPARATIO
emperor and one captive to left.
Only at Thessalonica.

This Example: 24 mm. RIC VIII Thessalonica 178.

Note for collectors: This type is the second-rarest FTR type available. It is rarely in the sort of top condition in which other FEL TEMP REPARATIO types are often found.

F413, 451, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, phoenix on pyre (or, pile of rocks):

FEL TEMP REPARATIO
phoenix on pyre (rocks)
"half-maiorina"

This example: 18-17 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 240.

Note for collectors: On this example the phoenix stands on a pyre or pile of rocks. On the next type the phoenix stands on a globe. Should they be different types? I decided they are; Failmezger included both under one ID number. You can make up your own mind.

F413, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, phoenix on globe. Note for collectors: This type is common and sometimes considered to be merely a variety of the previous type.

FEL TEMP REPARATIO
Phoenix on globe.

This example. 18-17 mm. RIC VIII Antioch 125.

F465: [no image] FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Large M in center. AE3. Only Rome. Extremely rare. RIC VIII Rome 313 "R3". [This type is never offered for sale.]

In the name of Constantius II, types of, and issued by, Vetranio (March 25, 350 to Dec. 25, 350). From Table 4.

F415: CONCORDIA MILITVM, emperor with two standards with chi-rhos

Issued by Vetranio, 350

CONCORDIA MILITVM
emperor with two standards with chi-rhos

This example: 23 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 280.

Note for collectors: This type is common. It has a good early Christian symbolism. Make sure the chi-rhos are clear.

(Additional examples)

F416: HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS

Issued by Vetranio, 350

HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS
Emperor standing holding standard with chi-rho,
to r. is Victory, crowning him with wreath and holding palm branch

This example: 23 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 283.

Note for collectors: This type is desirable because it is the first type with a Christian legend. HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS means "In this sign, you will be victorious" which God told Constantine in his famous vision before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Oct. 28, 312. Make sure the chi-rho is clear.

(Additional example)

F418: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Emperor standing front, holding standard with chi-rho and reversed spear.

Issued by Vetranio, 350

GLORIA ROMANORVM
Emperor standing front, holding standard with chi-rho
and reversed spear.

Only at Siscia.
This example: 19-16 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 293 "S".

Note for collectors: This type is rare.

F419: VIRTVS AVGVSTORVM, Emperor standing right holding spear and globe, kicking captive.

Issued by Vetranio, 350

VIRTVS AVGVSTORVM
Emperor standing right holding spear and globe,
kicking ("spurning") captive.

Only at Siscia.
This example: 18 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 295, "S".

Note for collectors: This type is rare.

Constantius II, other post-reform types (348-361). From Table 5.

F429: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Horseman spears foe

GLORIA ROMANORVM
Horseman spears foe

Only at Rome.
This example: 23-21 mm. RIC VIII Rome 196 or 199 or 205.

Note for collectors: This type is scarce (although RIC says it is common) and only from Rome. It is seldom in excellent condition.

F431: [no image] GLORIA ROMANORVM, emperor raises city of Aquileia. Only Aquileia. RIC VIII Aquileia 186 "R4". Extremely rare.

F433: SALVS AVG NOSTRI, large chi-rho

SALVS AVG NOSTRI
large chi-rho. Alpha and omega, eight side.

Only at Trier.
This example: 23 mm. RIC VII Trier 335.

Note for collectors: This type is often attributed to "Poemenius" who recovered the city of Trier from Magnetius for Constantius II. It is much like the large chi-rho type of Magnentius and Decentius, but with the legend made singular instead of plural.
It is a desirable early Christian type. Sometimes a number of them are offered, so it is scarce and not rare, but it is very rare (unknown?) with a full flan and no problems. This example, like the vast majority, is crowded. Many have the surface corroded and this one does not.

F466: SPES REIPVBLICAE

SPES REIPVBLICAE
emperor stands with globe and reversed spear

This example: 16 mm. RIC VIII Constantinople 149.

Note for collectors: This type is common, but much scarcer in nice condition than the FEL TEMP REPARTIO types.

F442: VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES, two Victories hold shield inscribed VOT XXX

VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES
two Victories hold shield inscribed VOT XXX,
chi-rho above.

Only at Rome.
This example: 21-20 mm. RIC VIII Rome 251-2 "R2"

Note for collectors: This type is very rare and seldom offered. It is an adaptation of a similar type of Magnentius and Decentius which has VOT/V/MVLT/X. This type has, instead, VOT/XXX.

F455: VICTORIA AVGVSTORM

VICTORIA AVGVSTORM
Victory advancing left holding up wreath in each hand.

Only at Siscia and Sirmium.
This example: 21-18 mm. RIC VIII Sirmium 25. "R"

Note for collectors: This type and the next are from the time of Constantius Gallus and rare.

F456: VICTORIA CAESARIS

VICTORIA CAESARIS
Victory advancing left with wreath and palm.

In RIC only from Siscia, but known from Sirmium too.
This example: 20 mm. RIC VIII Siscia 315-6 "R, R"

Note for collectors: This type and the previous are from the time of Constantius Gallus and rare. This "CAESARIS" type is proper to Gallus and not Constantius II.

The end of the images. References and links below to images of varieties.

"Types" and "varieties". The line between "type" and "variety" is fine. Is a gampgate with four towers different from an otherwise-similar campgate with three towers? Yes, for some collectors, but, for purposes of this page, it is regarded as a different variety of the same type. Some basic designs have varieties of special interest. For example, the extremely common GLORIA EXERCITVS with two standards very rarely has a Christian chi-rho between the standards. As a collectible, the chi-rho variety is far more valuable. Does that make it a different type? For purposes of this page, chi-rho variety is regarded as a variety, so the answer is "No". What about different sizes of the same design? The common soldier spearing fallen horseman; type comes is sizes from 24 mm down to 17 mm:

Where should the line between types be drawn? Collectors have good reasons to prefer the larger examples and distinguish mints and special varieties, but this page does not. Academically, and in RIC, mint and field marks allow us to distinguish issues. US coins of the same design from different mints are considered different types. I choose not to draw those distinctions and call all coins with the same central design and legend one "type". This page is about reverse types. Some of the types, especially those as Caesar, come with various bust varieties. Interesting bust varieties may add a large premium to the value, but are not part of this list of reverse types. You are, of course, welcome to distinguish varieties as important to your collection in any way you like.

References.

RIC VII (for coins as Caesar)

RIC VIII (for coins as Augustus)

Failmezger, Victor. Roman Bronze Coins From Paganism to Christianity: 294-364 A.D. 2002. Hardcover, 156 page plus 42 color plates. A very good book with very many color photographs and tables of all sorts of things (e.g. historical events, FEL TEMP REPARATIO varieties) of interest to collectors.

Bruck, Guido. Die Spätrömische Kupferprägung. 1961. Hardcover. xiv plus 101 pages of drawings by type with emphasis on how to distinguish differences including emperors, mints, headdresses, adjuncts, legend breaks, etc. Also has counts by ruler and mint, making is easier to tell which types belong to which rulers. It is in German, but that hardly matters except for the introduction. This book has been largely reproduced on line here:
https://www.tesorillo.com/aes/home.htm (It lacks the counts of how many of each type were in the sample collection.)
For example, which mints have "soldier-spearing-fallen-horseman" in the "sitting" variety? This site will tell you by showing you drawings of the different poses with their mints given: https://www.tesorillo.com/aes/024/024i.htm

Links:

1) This page was page 1. Return to the top of this page.
2) A page with additional images of FEL TEMP REPARATIO types.
3) A page with additional images of types issued for Constantius II by Vetranio
4) A page with additional images of other types.

Go to a similar page about types of Constans.

Go to the main Table of Contents of this whole educational web site.