Constantine II Roman Empire 330-335 AD Bronze Nummus Coin

Roman Empire, Constantine II, Reign as Caesar: 317-337 CE, Years of Minting: 330-335 CE, Denomination: Nummus / Follis, Metal: Bronze, Weight: 2.51 grams, Diameter: 17.06 mm, Reference: RIC VII Antioch 87, Mint: Antioch, Condition: About Very Fine, Rare in India,

Obverse: Laureate and cuirassed bust of Constantine II facing right, surrounded by the Latin inscription “CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C,” an abbreviation of Constantinus Iunior Nobilissimus Caesar, meaning “Constantine the Younger, Most Noble Caesar.”

Reverse: Two helmeted soldiers stand facing each other, each holding an inverted spear and resting a hand on a shield. Two military standards stand between them. The inscription “GLORIA EXERCITVS” means “Glory of the Army.” The mint and officina mark “SMANЄ” appears in the exergue, identifying Antioch and its fifth officina.

Constantine II was the eldest son of Constantine the Great, the Roman emperor who reunified the empire and founded Constantinople as a new imperial capital. Born around 316 CE, Constantine II was proclaimed Caesar in 317 and governed territories within the Roman Empire alongside his father and brothers. During his early career, imperial coinage emphasised dynastic legitimacy, military strength, and loyalty to the Roman state. The GLORIA EXERCITVS design celebrated the army as a fundamental pillar of imperial power. After Constantine the Great died in 337 CE, Constantine II became Augustus alongside his brothers Constantius II and Constans. Their shared rule eventually deteriorated into conflict, and Constantine II died in 340 CE during a military campaign against Constans.

Coinage Note: Minted at Antioch, in modern-day Antakya, Turkey, between 330 and 335 CE, this bronze Nummus belongs to the GLORIA EXERCITVS series. Its obverse identifies Constantine II as Caesar, while the reverse symbolises Roman military unity and strength. The mintmark “SMANЄ” indicates Antioch’s fifth officina. Referenced as RIC VII Antioch 87, this issue is a notable collectible from the Constantinian period of Roman imperial coinage.