Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. “BI Pseudo-Argenteus” – Follis (18.5mm, 3.25 g, 5h). Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina. Struck circa 312-313. Good VF.

Electronic Auction 572
Lot: 648.
Closing Date: Oct 9 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Imperial, Billon

Estimate: $ 150

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Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. “BI Pseudo-Argenteus” – Follis (18.5mm, 3.25 g, 5h). Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina. Struck circa 312-313. Cuirassed bust left, wearing high-crested helmet, holding spear across right shoulder / Two Victories standing vis-à-vis, holding between them shield inscribed VOT/ PR in two lines over altar; PTR. Cf. RIC VII 208A (follis); RSC 643; Alföldi, “The Helmet of Constantine with the Christian Monogram,” in JRS 22 (1932), pg. 13 and pl. IV, 13; Voetter, “Die Kupferprägung der Diocletianischen Tetrarchie,” in NZ 10 (1917), p. 31. Much silvering, toned. Good VF.

From the I.L. Collection.

Voetta and Alföldi relate this piece to a handful of other billon issues of Maximinus II and Licinius from Treveri. They date the issue to circa 312-313, shortly after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and note that it was quickly debased into bronze. In doing so, they assume it to be the prototype for the whole of the VICTORIAE LAETAE issues. The authors of RIC fail to note the existence of the high-quality billon coins and suggest a date of circa 318-319, based on the type and the relation to Constantine’s decennalia (RIC VII p. 181 note).

Closing Date and Time: 9 October 2024 at 13:35:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.