I collected this coin for its exquisite style. Occasionally you come across an engraving that doesn't merely mimic the generic Roman style, but goes beyond it with personal, artistic panache. Constantine's bust is imperious, with magnificent flowing lines and detail in the helmet. The captives are finely chiseled in their faces and clothes, and even their legs are bound by ropes. The engraver left enough room for the standard to be large enough to include the inscription VOT XX without crowding it. The dies for this coin were clearly carved by a master hand. Of course, it helps that the coin is fully struck, centered, and well-preserved. How could I resist it?
The detail is great JA. I love it when the faces of the small characters on the reverse are detailed enough to see eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Great acquisition. Congrats.
Wow JA, that's another awesome addition (ummm, did you rob a bank? ... you seem to be buying-up a lot of sweet coins lately?) Ummm, I don't have an example with Constantine, but I do have a fairly slick example with good ol' Crispus (is that allowed?)
Yeah, that's beautiful. You've got superb detail in the captives as well, and I always like the shield and spear portraits. That coin gets and A+...well, all of your coins do, come to think of it. I'm trying to go for more Steve-level coins.
