Roman Empire Emperor Julius Constans Bronze Follis Siscia Mint

Roman Empire, Emperor Constans (Flavius Julius Constans), c. 337–350 CE, Denomination: Follis, Metal: Bronze, Mint: Siscia, Weight: 1.91 grams, Diameter: 16.22 mm, Reference: RIC VIII Siscia 184, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of Emperor Constans facing right; legend reads CONSTANS PF AVG.

Reverse: Two winged Victories standing facing each other, each holding a wreath and palm branch; legend VICTORIAE DD AVGG Q NN; mintmark ASIS in exergue.

Constans ruled the Roman Empire from 337 to 350 CE as one of the sons of Constantine the Great. He governed the Western Roman Empire, including Italy, Africa, and the Balkans. Constans was the youngest son of Constantine I (the Great) and Fausta. His brothers were Constantine II and Constantius II; after a civil war with Constantine II in 340 CE, Constans emerged as ruler of the western provinces. He had no legitimate sons.

Constans fought against the Franks and Alamanni on the Rhine frontier and strengthened Roman defenses. He was a committed Christian (Nicene Orthodox) and strongly supported the Church, opposing Arianism. He sponsored churches and promoted Christian unity within the empire. Neighboring powers included the Sassanian Persian Empire in the east and various Germanic tribes along the frontiers. His reign ended when he was overthrown and killed during the revolt of Magnentius in 350 CE.

His bronze AE follis coins, such as the Siscia mint issue (RIC VIII 184), reflect late Roman monetary reforms, featuring military and Christian symbolism, and today are considered scarce historical pieces from a turbulent imperial period.