Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 168. Estimate CHF4000.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF9000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Constantius II. 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 4.55 g 7), Siscia, 337-340. CONSTANTIVS P F AVG Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius II to right Rev. GLORIA CONSTANTI AVG / .SIS. Emperor, in military dress, standing left, holding labarum inscribed VOT/XX in his right hand and scepter in his left; at his feet to right, bound captive. RIC 7. Very rare. A few very minor marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.

From the collections of a Gentleman and of G. Lacam, Dürr/Michel, 8 November 1999, 17, ex Bank Leu 22, 8 May 1979, 391 and from the collection of J. C. S. Rashleigh, Glendining & Co., 14 January 1953, 115.

Constantius II was the craftiest and most dangerous of the sons of Constantine. He was the moving force behind the slaughter of his relatives after his father’s death and managed to out-maneuver all his opponents; he was marching against his cousin Julian when he died of illness in 361 - to avoid civil war he named him as his successor.