Hi again everyone. I have this coin coming from the U.K.. I really like the looks and the detailed craftsmanship of the portrait and the Altar. I was curious if anyone can elaborate a little on the meaning of the Legend and Altar and what it signifies? I tried researching it but came up empty. Also can you tell me what's going on with the reverse in the field area? Thanks for any feedback. Please post any you have, I would love to see them. Constantine AE follis. Trier mint . struck 322-323 AD. Obv CONSTANTINVS AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust right . Rev BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, Altar inscribed VO-TIS-XX, surmounted by globe, three stars above. Mintmark dot STR dot. Ref RIC 368 ; Sear 16177
"Blessed or Happy Tranquility" is the meaning in Latin. It has to do with the emperor's genius, I suppose. I don't have an example of this type yet, but it's a very nice coin you are going to receive.
from my page- http://www.constantinethegreatcoins.com/barb/ Circa 321, BEATA TRANQVILLITAS [Blessed Peace (calm)] type was issued. The reverse does mean blessed peace(calm), but it does not mean the Empire was at peace. The Rhine frontier was in turmoil. Rather than actual peace, these coins seem to be "an expression of the expectation of peace and order on the Rhine frontier." (RIC VII p 38) This series was issued around the same time as Constantine's war with the Sarmatians.
One from the Bag o Romans: Legend: CONSTANTINVS IVN NC - Constantine JR Reverse: BEATA TRANQVILLITAS Celestial Globe on altar Mint: Lugdunum (Lyons, France)
Great coins everyone. I think I have that reverse, but for Constantine II minted during Constantine I's reign.
Nice coin! As for the impressions in the reverse field, they’re a result of a die clash. See the link to @dougsmit s page about them here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/brock.html “Clashed dies result when the dies are hammered together without a coin blank in place. The softer reverse die received a partial impression of the obverse.”
The VO/TIS/XX signifies Constantine's taking of vows to faithfully serves the empire for another 5 years. During this time, emperors took an oath of service every 5 years. After 15 years as emperor, Constantine renewed his for an additional 5-year period. My guess is that at the ceremony, Constantine took his vows over an alter similar to the one depicted on your coin. My example: Treveri (Trier) mint, A.D. 322-323 RIC 369 Obv: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG Rev: BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS - Globe on altar inscribed VO/TIS/XX; 3 stars above •PTR• in exergue 20 mm, 4.2 g.
