Crispus Altar and Globe A very attractive Fourth Century AD bronze struck for Crispus (317-326 AD) with sharp details, especially on Crispus' bust, and a nice brown patina. The lettering on the altar is weak, but everything else is crisp and clear. (Diameter: 19 mm. Weight: 2.46 grams) OB: Laureate and cuirassed left, spear in right hand, shield in left - IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES REV: Altar inscribed VO / TIS / XX surmounted by globe, three stars above - BEATA TRANQVILLITAS RIC VII Trier 372. He was the first-born son of Constantine I. His mother Minervina was either a concubine or a first wife to Constantine. Nothing else is known about Minervina. Constantine I married Fausta, he kept Crispus at his side. Surviving sources are unanimous in declaring him a loving, trusting and protective father to his first son. Crispus was leader in victorious military operations against the Franks and the Alamanni in 318, 320 and 323. Thus he secured the continued Roman presence in the areas of Gaul and Germania. The soldiers adored him thanks to his strategic abilities and the victories to which he had led the Roman legions. Crispus spent the following years assisting Constantine in the war against by then hostile Licinius. In 324, Constantine appointed Crispus as the commander of his fleet which left the port of Piraeus to confront the rival fleet of Licinius. The subsequent Battle of the Hellespont was fought in at the straits of Bosporus. The 200 ships under the command of Crispus managed to utterly beat the enemy forces which were at least double in number. Thus Crispus achieved his most important and difficult victory which further established his reputation as a brilliant soldier and general. Crispus was the most likely choice for an heir to the throne at the time. His siblings Constantine II, Constantius II and Constans were far too young and knew very little on the tasks of an emperor. However, this would never come to be. Fausta, stepmother of Crispus, was extremely jealous of him. She was reportedly afraid that Constantine would put aside the sons she bore him. So, in order to get rid of Crispus, Fausta set him up. She reportedly told the young Caesar that she was in love with him and suggested an illegitimate love affair. Crispus denied the immoral wishes of Fausta and left the palace in a state of shock. Then Fausta said to Constantine that Crispus had no respect for his father, since the Caesar was in love with his father's own wife. She reported to Constantine that she dismissed him after his attempt to rape her. Constantine believed her and, true to his strong personality and short temper, executed his beloved son. A few months later, Constantine reportedly found out the whole truth and then killed Fausta. Fausta In 326, Crispus' life came to a sudden end on his father's orders. He was tried by a local court at Pola, Istria, condemned to death and executed. Soon afterwards, Constantine had his own wife, Fausta, killed. She was drowned in an over-heated bath.
Much of this information was provided to me by a couple CCF members sharing their knowledge, I should credit them here. Thank you Finn235 and Paul Bulgerin CCF members. Who also supplied information and raw images which I have re-worked. I wouldn't know anything about them if it were not for their generosity and time taken to help make these more interesting.
Here is a Heraclea Mint Crispus with a Campgate... Congrats @TheNickelGuy RI Crispus 317-326 CE AE Folles Caesar in Trier Campgate - Heraclea mint
Nice military bust you got there. I have two Folles of similar type from Trier/ Treverorum, one with an advancing military bust and one with the spear on the shoulder like yours (but in much worse condition): Crispus Caesar - Follis - BEATA TRANQVILLITAS - STR = Treverorum mint Crispus Caesar - Follis - BEATA TRANQVILLITAS - STR = Treverorum mint
