I recently got this rare bust type for Constantine with a "Prince of Youth" reverse. This honorific usually referred to the young heir apparent; but Constantine was around 40 years old when this coin was issued. He apparently ejoyed the title, perhaps trying to seem younger, and a variation was used as late as A.D. 320 with the VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP reverses; which translates as "Joyous (well-earned) victory to the eternal Prince" Here is my latest from London Constantine I A.D. 311- 312 23mm 4.2g CONSTANTINVS P AVG; Laureate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust left, holding spear forward and shield. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress with cloak hanging over left shoulder, holding globe in right, reversed spear in left; ✶ in right field. In ex. PLN RIC VI London --; LMCC 7.07.028; RML 489 here are some more from London Constantine I A.D. 307- 310 24mm 6.1g IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress, holding standard in each hand. In ex. PLN RIC VI London 111; LMCC 5.04.011 Constantine I circa A.D. 311-312 22x24mm 4.6g CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress, holding standard in each hand; ✶ in right field. In ex. PLN RIC VI London 215; LMCC 7.06.002 Constantine I A.D. 310- 312 22mm 4.8g CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress with cloak over left, holding globe in right, reversed spear in left; ✶ in right field. In ex. PLN RIC VI London 222; LMCC 7.07.003 Constantine I A.D. 310- 312 21x22mm 4.3g CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress with spread cloak, holding globe in right, reversed spear in left; ✶ in right field. In ex. PLN RIC VI London 222 var; LMCC 7.07.003 Constantine I A.D. 311- 312 Ӕ nummus 23mm 4.0g CONSTANTINVS AG; Laureate and cuirassed bust left, holding eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS; Prince standing facing head left, in military dress with cloak hanging over left shoulder, holding globe in right, reversed spear in left; ✶ in right field. In ex. PLN RIC VI London 233 corr. (bust type).; LMCC 7.07.038 if you have any post them
I don't have one of Cons I, but how about this one of Herennius Etruscus? HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS AR Antoninianus OBVERSE: Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C, Bare-headed and draped bust right REVERSE: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Herennius standing left, holding rod and spear Struck at Rome, 250 AD 3.0g, 20mm RIC 147c, C26
Wonderful group from Ye Olde Londinium! I only have one Constantine from that mint. I bought it because of the small Cross on the reverse. The obverse portrait looks like Constantine was attacked either by Jack-the-Ripper, or, by the "American Werewolf in London" (an early 80's movie reference). So, without further adieu: edit to add legends: Obverse legend: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG Reverse legend: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP
London mint is one of my favorites...I currently have 132 coins for Constantine from London. Below is my example of RIC 169 (obverse legend of AG instead of AVG_, with a cross on the altar.
LICINIUS I AE2 Follis OBVERSE: IMP LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate, cuirassed bust right REVERSE: GENIO POP ROM S-F, Genius standing left, modius on head, loins draped, holding patera & cornucopia, PLN in ex. Struck at London 313-4 AD 3.2g, 22mm RIC VII 3
Golly Gee Willikers! With over 100 you need a Centurion to keep keep all your many Constantines in London safe and organized! Impressive quantity! Your RIC 169 apparently did an excellent job of not going outdoors at night, nor walking down sketchy alleys. He seems to have his throat still intact. Unlike mine, yours appear to have neither slashes nor gashes in his neck! Seriously, that's a very nice example. The full obverse legend is on the flan -- and readable! And you got a nice cross with wreath as well. Congrats!
