Sale: CNG 70, Lot: 1066. Estimate $7500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2005.  Sold For $9500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CONSTANTINE I, with CONSTANTINE II and CONSTANTIUS II as Caesars. 307-337 AD. AV Medallion of 1 1/2 Solidi (6.47 g, 11h). Antioch mint. Struck 326 AD. D N CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust left, raising right hand and holding globe in left / CONSTANTINVS ET CONSTANTIVS NOBB CAESS, confronted busts of Constantine II and Constantius II, both laureate and wearing consular trabea, each holding an eagle-tipped sceptre in one hand and globe in the other; SMAN. RIC VII 70; Gnecchi p. 23, 1; Alföldi 63; cf. Toynbee p. 197; Cohen 1. VF, a few minor edge marks. Extremely rare. ($7500)

This Constantinian multiple of 1 1/2 solidi from the Syrian capital of Antioch celebrates the joint consulship, in 326 AD, of Constantine I and Constantius II. This was the first consulship held by the young Constantius. Also depicted on the reverse is Constantius' elder brother, Constantine II, who had already held three consulships. The young Caesars are shown in the usual consular regalia, while their father's depiction on the obverse (radiate crown, raised right hand and globe in left) is strongly reminiscent of the sun-god Sol who had been so prominent on the earlier Constantinian coinage. The year 326 AD was one of great tragedy in the imperial family, seeing the downfall and execution not only of Constantine's eldest son Crispus, but also his wife, Fausta.