Have even begun the research on it yet. It's smaller and will need to good light to get a better look at it. It's dark in color.
This is not Constantine II but Constantius II. While they have similar names and ruled at similar times, they are actually different rulers. The Constantine dynasty weren't terribly original with their names.
Here are a couple of shots tonight. The first is a picture of both coins together, the one on the right is the one we are talking about the next two is the second coin I haven't tried to research yet.
Coins from this period can be found in much better condition without paying a lot. Should you develop an interest in collecting ancients LRBs can be very satisfying. Some examples of reverses I really like: Time of Constantine, 330-333 AD AE, follis, 17mm, 2.2g; 6h; Trier, AD 333-334 Obv.: VRBS ROMA; helmeted bust of Roma wearing imperial mantle left Rev.: She-wolf standing left, with Romulus and Remus suckling beneath, two stars above, wreath between In Ex.: TRS Constantius II, AD 337-361. Æ Follis, 4g, 19mm, 12h; Cyzicus mint, 325-326. Obv.: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C; Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust left. Rev.: PROVIDEN-TIA CAESS; Campgate, two turrets, no doors, star above, eight stone layers // SMKS dot Constantine I, AD 306-337 AE, follis, 3.51g, 20.5mm; 12h; Trier mint, AD 332-333 Obv.: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG; helmeted, cuirassed bust right Rev.: BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS; globe set on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX above, three stars In Ex.: dot PTR dot Ex. Langtoft hoard Constans, 333-337 AD AE3; Siscia mint: 347 AD. Obv.: CONSTAN-S PF AVG; rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev.: VICTOR-IA AVGG; Victory walking left holding wreath in each hand, Chi-Rho in right field // *ASIS*
Ooh... that second one is what is known as a “fallen horseman” (or “falling horseman” depending on who you ask). That should be enough of a clue to do some internet sleuthing. One of the interesting things about that coin is that you can tell who the ruler is even without the legend... even though this type was minted for a variety of rulers over the years. I’m guessing you want to take a shot at identifying it yourself so I wont spill the beans but if you hit a wall... we can tell you who it is.
In order of appearance: $45 $55 $75 $42 Maybe not the best examples for inexpensive LRBs! How about these? I bought them in an unseen lot and each one works out to $5.45: Here are some for $20 or less: Constantine I, AD 306 - 337 AE3, 2.95g, 19mm; 5h; Thessalonica mint Obv.: CONSTAN-TINUS AVG; laureate head right Rev.: PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG; campgate, 6 layers, no doors, two turrets, star above, dot in right field In Ex.: SMTSA $10 Constantius II, AD 337-361 Æ Follis, 2.8g, 18mm, 12h; Heraclea mint, Obv.: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C; Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left. Rev.: PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS; Camp gate with two turrets, no doors; six stone layers, star above, star in left field // SMHΓ $15 This coin isn't an LRB but what is a Roman Provincial that was inexpensive and interesting: Commodus; Philppopolis, Thrace; AD 180-192 AE, 4.07g, 18mm; 6h Obv.: AY K? M?...-KOMOΔOC; laureate head right Rev.: [Φ]ΙΛΙΠΠΟ[ΠOΛEITΩN]; coiled serpent with beard and two head fins $19 Here's a interesting and inexpensive Greek coin: SICILY, Himera. AE hemilitron, 3.2g, 15mm, 4h; c. 420 - 409 B.C. Obv.: [IME]; Head of nymph Himera left, wearing sphendone, six pellets before (off flan). Rev.: Six pellets within laurel wreath. $20
@Jwt708 I really like those last 2 Victories. I don't know why but I'm a sucker for a Victory That Commodus is pretty cool too. Love that serpent.
Nothing like a well executed Victory! Commodus' coin inspired this purchase, which cost a lot more: Septimius Severus, 193 - 211 AD Æ 8 Assaria, 32mm, 15.31g, 8h; Thrace, Pautalia Mint. Obv.: AV K A CEΠTI CEVHPOC ΠEP; Laureate head of Septimius right. Rev.: OVΛΠIAC ΠAVTAΛIAC; Fourfold coiled serpent with erect head right.
What I want to make clear is that ancient coins can be enjoyed at any budget and there is much to learn and explore.
I've gone on line I've looked at multiple pictures and read information trying to match this one. HELP, what is it ?