A detailed AE-4 of Constans (337-350 AD), as Augustus, with sharp details on both sides and an attractive green and black patina. It is also fully-centered with complete legends and mint mark, something not often seen on these small coins. (Diameter: 15 mm. Weight: 1.19 grams) OB: Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust, right - CONSTANS P F AVG REV: Two Victories, facing, holding wreaths and palms - VICTORIAE DD AVGG Q NN HR monogram between them Struck between 347-348 AD at the Siscia mint, this coin has the mint mark ASIS and is attributed as RIC, Vol. VIII, #191. Constans was Roman Emperor from 337 to 350. He defeated his eldest brother Constantine II in 340. He was never satisfied with the territories that were divided among his brothers to rule by his father Constantine The Great. Constans had a reputation for scandalous behaviour with "handsome barbarian hostages. Anger in the army over his personal life (homosexuality) and favouritism towards his barbarian bodyguards led the general Magnentius to rebel, resulting in the assassination of Constans in 350. He was In the final years of his reign, Constans developed a reputation for cruelty and misrule. Dominated by favourites and openly preferring his select bodyguard, he lost the support of the legions. In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself emperor at Augustodunum with the support of the troops on the Rhine frontier and, later, the western provinces of the Empire. Constans was enjoying himself nearby when he was notified of the elevation of Magnentius. Lacking any support beyond his immediate household, he was forced to flee for his life. As he was trying to reach Hispania, supporters of Magnentius cornered him in a fortification in Helena in the eastern Pyrenees of southwestern Gaul, where he was killed after seeking sanctuary in a temple. An alleged prophecy at his birth had said Constans would die in the arms of his grandmother. His place of death happens to have been named after Helena, mother of Constantine and his own grandmother, thus realizing the prophecy.
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.
