Constantine I Sol Civil War Issue From Lyons

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Victor_Clark, Jan 23, 2021.

  1. Victor_Clark

    Victor_Clark all my best friends are dead Romans Dealer

    This coin is not listed in RIC or Bastien's Le Monnayage de L'Atelier de Lyon...I know of at least one other example though. It should come after RIC VII Lyons 54. This coin was probably struck during the 1st civil war between Constantine and Licinius, or at least during the lead up to it, as this series is not known for Licinius. The special martial bust might also indicate it was struck during the war. Because of the scarcity, it also seems probable this was one of the later coins struck before the temporary mint closure in 316—so, probably minted during the hostilities. The mint opened back up in A.D. 318/9. This series is also the last appearance of Sol on Lyons coinage.



    Con_Lyons.JPG


    Constantine I
    A.D. 316
    16x17mm 3.6g
    CONSTANTINVS P AVG; laureate and cuirassed bust right with spear over right shoulder and shield on left.
    SOLI INVICTO COMITI; Sol rad., raising r. hand, globe in l.; stg. l., chlamys across l. shoulder; across fields A- S.
    in ex. PLG
    RIC VII Lyons -; Bastien --
     
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  3. DiomedesofArgos

    DiomedesofArgos Well-Known Member

  4. otlichnik

    otlichnik Well-Known Member

    Fascinating bust with the spear but not helmet or shield.

    Lovely coin.

    SC
     
  5. Caesar_Augustus

    Caesar_Augustus Well-Known Member

    Constantine the Great
    AE Follis
    [​IMG]
    315 - 316 A.D., Lugdunum Mint, 1st Officina
    2.78g, 20.5mm, 12H

    Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG,
    Bust of Constantine I, laureate, cuirassed, right

    Reverse: SOLI INVIC-TO COMITI,
    Sol, radiate, standing left, chlamys draped across left shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand

    Exergue: TF/✱//PLG

    Provenance: Ex. FSR Bargain Bin 2019

    Reference: RIC VII Lugdunum 34
     
  6. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Never seen that type before, great coin, Victor.
     
  7. Victor_Clark

    Victor_Clark all my best friends are dead Romans Dealer

    Yes, that is the other example that I have seen.
     
    Roman Collector likes this.
  8. Gavin Richardson

    Gavin Richardson Well-Known Member

    Interesting coin and suggestion. That example in NOT IN RIC is a bargain at five euros.

    Once again Lyon comes through with an interesting and unusual take on the Sol Invictus coinage.
     
  9. Caesar_Augustus

    Caesar_Augustus Well-Known Member

    I always thought Lyon's depictions of Constantine were rather... unique.
     
  10. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    These are both in RIC, but they date from before the closing of the mint:
    temp.jpg
    Lugdunum (Lyons) mint, A.D. 314-315
    RIC 12
    Obv: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG
    Rev: MARTI CON-SERVATORI - Helmeted soldier in military dress holding reverse spear, resting hand on shield
    PLG in exergue; T in left field, F in right
    20 mm, 3.4 g.

    temp2.jpg
    Lugdunum mint, A.D. 315-316
    RIC 34
    Obv: CONSTANTINVS AVG
    Rev: SOLI INVIC-TO COMITI - Sol raising right hand, globe in left
    PLG in exergue; TF in left field, star in right
    19 mm, 3.0 g.
     
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