Silver Siliqua of Constantius II

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Aethelred, Dec 15, 2021.

  1. Aethelred

    Aethelred The Old Dead King

    I recently added this to my collection, I do not have a lot a silver from this era so each one is special.

    AF89E613-0283-4CE1-9966-DB951BB88F2D.jpeg

    This is as Silver Siliquia of Constantine II (as Augustus AD 337-361). It was minted at Constantinople between AD 353-355. Sear lists it as SR-17939 and in RIC VIII it is #102

    I love the simple reverse design and I am fascinated by the history of the period. I recall reading somewhere that Constantine’s three sons were called “the Three Vipers” by one ancient writer, but I think that is unfair…

    … to vipers!
     
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  3. ValiantKnight

    ValiantKnight Well-Known Member

    Constantius II, Roman Empire
    AR siliqua
    Obv: D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right
    Rev: VOTIS XXX / MVLTIS XXXX, all within wreath
    Mint: Sirmium
    Mintmark: SIRM
    Date: 357-361 AD
    Ref: RIC VIII 15
    Size: 3.31 gr, 22 mm wide

    [​IMG]
     
  4. kevin McGonigal

    kevin McGonigal Well-Known Member

    Do you know the weight? During his reign he issued siliquae of two weights. The heavier one is above 3 grams , the lighter one about 2 grams or less.
     
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  5. kevin McGonigal

    kevin McGonigal Well-Known Member

     
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  6. JayAg47

    JayAg47 Well-Known Member

    That's a nice looking siliqua!
    Here's my recent addition of Gratian.
    Gratian siliqua.png
     
  7. Ryro

    Ryro Trying to remove supporter status

    She's a beauty:cigar: I very much like his portrait on these:
    IMG_3249(1).PNG
     
  8. Aethelred

    Aethelred The Old Dead King

    @kevin McGonigal i have not put it on the scale yet, but the old holder says it is the heavy variety.
     
  9. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Thessalonika
    rx6550bb2241.jpg
     
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  10. DonnaML

    DonnaML Well-Known Member

    A great example! My only three siliquae are Julian II, Valens, and Gratian:


    Julian II siliqua jpg version.jpg

    Valens siliqua jpg version 2.jpg

    Gratian AR siliqua Trier mint jpg version.jpg
     
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  11. savitale

    savitale Well-Known Member

    Great coin! I like the reverse too.
     
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  12. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

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  13. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    always wondered why someone would hole a coin and wear it as (presumably) a pendant, but punch the whole off center, and with the obverse upside down.
     
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  14. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    I don't have a siliqua, nor do I think i'll be able to afford one. Only one I ever saw in my price range was $20 for a heavily clipped Constantius II that went for $20 in a lot.

    Since the siliqua was a similar size and weight as the former denarius, here is the latest "denarius" equivalent I have.
    Maximianus RIC VI Siscia 146.JPG
     
  15. DonnaML

    DonnaML Well-Known Member

    I think it's just a dark toning.
     
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  16. Aethelred

    Aethelred The Old Dead King

    I tend to agree from what can see it just looks like nice old toning.
     
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