2011.1.1: Solidus of Constantius II, Constantinople

Identification and Creation

Object Number

2011.1.1

People

Constantius II, Roman (r. 337-361)

Title

Solidus of Constantius II, Constantinople

Classification

Coins

Work Type

coin

Date

337 - 340

Places

Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Constantinople (Thrace)

Period

Roman Imperial period, Late, to Early Byzantine

Culture

Roman

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/336384

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Gold

Metal

AV

Technique

Struck

Dimensions

4.55g

Die Axis

12

Denomination

solidus

Inscriptions and Marks

• Obverse Inscription: DN CONSTA - NTIVS AVG
• Reverse Inscription: FELICITAS REI PVBLICE VOT XV MVLT XX

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History

Jane Ayer Scott, Newton MA (-2008), by inheritance; to her husband Wellington F. Scott III, (2008-2010), gift; to The Harvard Art Museums, 2010.

There is no further information available about where Jane Scott purchased the coin. Byzantine coins, even gold solidi, were struck by the thousands and circulated widely in the Byzantine Empire from Spain, Italy to Greece, Bulgaria, the Balkans, Israel, Turkey and Syria.

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number

RIC VIII, 11 p.447

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Wellington F. Scott III in memory of Jane Ayer Scott

Accession Year

2011

Object Number

2011.1.1

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

Obv.: Bust of Constantius II, draped and cuirassed to r., wearing a rosette diadem.
Rev.: FELICITAS REI PVBLICE around the border and within wreath; VOT XV MVLT XX

Verification Level