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Reference: RIC VIII Alexandria 78.

Description

Roman coin of Constantius II, as Augustus, 337-361. Obverse: draped bust of Constantius II, facing right; he wears a diadem; to left, inscription is 'DN CONSTANTIVS 'PF AVG'. Reverse: emperor spearing a fallen barbarian horseman, standing and facing left; to right, he holds a spear; to left, a shield; to the lower left, the captive; mintmark A?; to left, dot-S-dot; inscription 'FEL TEMP REPARATIO'.

Iconographic Meaning

The imagery on this coin emphasized the rebirth and success of the empire after the 3rd century and the Roman Crisis. The image on the reverse is of the Roman emperor spearing a fallen barbarian horseman, symbolizing the martial success of the ruler. The inscription demonstrates the renewal of Roman spirits, saying “Return of Fortunate Times.”

History Of Use

"'DN CONSTANTIVS 'PF AVG'" extended is “Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus,” and translates to “Our Lord Constantius, Pious and Blessed August”. The reverse translates to "Return of Fortunate Times”. This maiorina (or “big one”) was the largest denomination of base metal coins in the 4th century Roman Empire. Coins such as this one were introduced in the decades after the emperor Diocletian’s monetary reforms at the turn of the century, which established a unified currency for the entire Empire. This particular denomination, however, was discontinued and “forbidden” around 354 due to ongoing instability in the Roman currency.