These two Roman coins are now part of my collection. They are relatively high grade with much of the legend(s) readable. Therefore, it was relatively easy to find them in the Sear book. DECENTIUS Caesar 351-363 AD AE1 (24 mm diameter) Similar to Sear #4036 Obv: DN DECENTIVS FORT CAES Bare headed simple draped bust facing right. Rev: VICT DD NN HVG ET CAES Two victories standing facing each other holding shield between them (VOT - V - MVL - X) in the shield, FSAR in exergue.
Crispus CRISPUS Caesar 317-326 AD (Son of Constantine) AE3 (19 mm diameter) Similar to Sear #3918 Obv: IVL CRISPVS NOB C Laureate head facing right Rev: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM Laurel wreath around (VOT - X), HSIS in exergue. Several legend letters are illegible on my examples but the Sear book allowed me to fill in the blanks. (I can't be the only person that confuses letters on old coins).
This one cost $1 I need some guidance with these next few. This first one is a tiny little coin measuring only 12 to 13 mm (AE4?). The reverse appears to depict a man walking left dragging a captive. I’d only be guessing at the letters on the reverse. The obverse has a bust right and perhaps the letters RIUSDUS. Can you guys tell me where to begin looking for this one?
I see Ard-man beat me to it. It is also a SALVS REIPVBLICAE reverse. See if this helps you to attribute.
Another $1 coin This one also cost $1. It has been well worth the $1 just for the entertainment value today. The reverse appears to depict victory with wings deployed walking left with something like a shield on the ground at her left hand. The obverse legend seems to state “CONSTAN ?????????”. I’ve reviewed a bunch of pages without finding the reverse. Can you guys tell me where to begin looking for this one in the Sear book?
City Commemorative, Siscia mint: http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/city_commemoratives/_siscia_RIC_224.1.jpg
A coin commemorating the founding of Constantinople, struck late in the reign of Constantine I. The obverse features a bust of Constantinopolis, the personification of the city.
I agree with Bing and Bill. There were 4 types I believe of types celebrating the founding of Constantinople. I bet you Doug Smith has a webpage about them.
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/uncleaned.html See #5 on the above page. I never did a whole page on them.
The Decentius looks like RIC 170 page 216 volume VIII. It is a scarce coin a bit muddled here by double striking making the legends hard to read. I believe it just says DN DECENTIVS CAESAR but the double striking makes come letters appear twice. Compared to most coins of his, this is great!