Journey of Your Coin:
Minted in Constantinople (circa 348–355 AD):
Your unique coin emerged in the bustling imperial mint at Constantinople, struck amidst the coinage reform of Constantius II. Workers placed a bronze flan between finely engraved dies and struck forcefully, capturing a vivid portrait of the emperor and a dramatic battle scene symbolizing imperial might.
First Circulation – A Symbol of Restored Glory:
Initially, your coin glistened with a fresh copper sheen, perhaps admired by a soldier paid with it, or a citizen who received it as payment for goods sold to the imperial troops or local bureaucrats. Citizens viewed its imagery as powerful propaganda promising renewed stability and prosperity after years of instability.
Widespread Travel and Daily Commerce:
The coin quickly circulated among the military and merchants, passing through markets in Constantinople’s forums, where people exchanged it for goods like bread, oil, wine, and textiles. Each transaction wore gently at the surface, yet the artistry of the "Falling Horseman" remained vividly compelling.
Hidden and Forgotten (Late 4th Century):
Amid escalating conflicts, barbarian invasions, or internal struggles, your coin might have been hidden in a household cache or lost beneath the soil during unrest. Layers of earth protected it for centuries, forming its attractive, deep coppery patina.
Rediscovered in Modern Times:
Centuries later, through our last archaeological excavation near the historic ruins of Constantinople (Istanbul), your coin resurfaced. Carefully cleaned, revealing astonishing details and a previously unpublished mint variety (B over Ω), it caught immediate attention among collectors and scholars as a remarkable numismatic discovery.
Contemporary Recognition and Importance:
Cataloged meticulously (Cohen 46var.; RIC, Sear unpublished), your coin now stands out prominently among Constantius II's issues. Specialists note its uniqueness—the mysterious symbol combination B over Ω—which fuels scholarly curiosity and collector desire.
Special Historical Insights:
The "Falling Horseman" motif not only served propagandistic purposes but provided subtle hints regarding Rome’s enemies. Scholars today use these coins to understand how Romans viewed and depicted barbarian opponents.
Rediscovered in Murcia, Spain
Centuries later, around the late 1800s, after changing hands countless times across medieval and early modern Europe, your coin arrived in the Spanish region of Murcia. Here it entered the prestigious collection of a wealthy Spanish nobleman, renowned for his passion for ancient history and numismatics. Carefully cataloged, it was gently placed into a leather satchel, nestled among other precious artifacts.
Forgotten Treasures
When the noble collector passed away, his meticulously assembled collection was sealed away, packed carefully in leather satchels and forgotten in the attic of his sprawling Murcia estate. Decades passed quietly, with generations unaware of the historical treasures that rested just above their heads.
A Chance Discovery
Then, one quiet afternoon, caretakers performing routine maintenance uncovered the forgotten leather satchels. Opening them revealed a breathtaking collection of ancient coins, each carefully documented by their original collector. Among these, your Constantius coin emerged once again—its imperial portrait still vivid, its ancient inscriptions speaking clearly across the centuries.
Preserved for Future Generations
Today, carefully cleaned and preserved, your coin continues its remarkable journey. Now safely housed in a protective display, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, its story lives on. Each detail, from ancient Antioch to the Spanish estate, enriches its historical significance—transforming this bronze artifact into a tangible window into history itself.
Recovered Relics proudly guarantees its authenticity and carefully preserves this coin, allowing future generations to appreciate its extraordinary journey through time.
Rare Bronze Coin of Constantius II (337–361 AD)
Opening Sale
Attribute
Description
Emperor
Constantius II (337–361 AD)
Type
Billon (Bronze alloy with silver traces)
Catalogue References
Cohen 46var.; RIC 79var.; Sear 18148var. (Unpublished variety)
Mint
Constantinople
Mintmark
CONSB* (Constantinople, 2nd officina)
Date Minted
circa 348–355 AD (Post-reform period)
Diameter
22.00 mm
Weight
4.59 grams
Condition
VF (Very Fine), very attractive with fine detail and bright copper patina
Rarity
Extremely Rare (RRRR, unpublished variety)
Coin Identification & Technical Specifications
Obverse (Front) Details:
Legend: D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG
Translation: Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus ("Our Lord Constantius, Dutiful and Fortunate Emperor").
Description:
Bust of Constantius II facing right, pearl-diademed, wearing paludamentum (military cloak) and cuirass, indicating imperial authority and military prowess.
Reverse Imagery:
Legend: FEL TEMP REPARATIO
Translation: "Restoration of Happy Times" (abbreviated from "Felicium Temporum Reparatio" or "Felicis Temporis Reparatio").
Signifies Roman aspirations for restored peace, stability, and imperial strength after previous turmoil.
Description:
A dynamic, dramatic battle scene depicting a helmeted Roman soldier rushing left, spearing a fallen barbarian horseman whose horse has collapsed beneath him. The barbarian is shown defeated and dying, shield discarded to the ground, symbolizing Rome’s victory over its enemies.
Unique Variety:
Field mark: B above Ω (?) in the left field, beneath the soldier’s spear.
Significance: Extremely unusual and unpublished variety, making this coin extraordinarily rare and collectible.
Reverse Symbolism & Historical Context:
The "Falling Horseman" series visually emphasizes Rome’s military superiority and the emperor’s role as protector and restorer of order.
Struck as part of Constantius II’s coinage reforms in 348 AD, designed to stabilize the empire’s currency and broadcast imperial propaganda.
Barbarian horsemen depicted vary in tribe and origin, indicated by subtle details (attire, hair, and beard styles), highlighting Rome's diverse military foes.