What is it?


Despite the encrustation, many of the key identifying features of this coin are visible in the uncleaned state:

  • The name CONSTANTIVS is discernable on the obverse, but what follows that is obscured.
  • The bust is bareheaded.
  • There is a figure in the field behind the bust which is probably an A.
  • The reverse type appears to be that of a soldier spearing a falling horseman, but the details which might reveal a subtype are not clear.
  • The mint mark is barely discernable, although it includes the characters SI in its midst. Possibly Siscia or Sirmium.
  • The officina mark is not clear, but may be an A (if it precedes the name of the mint).
  • Since the long axis of the coin measures 22mm, it may be called an AE2 ("centenionale")


Not only is it difficult to fully attribute, the coin is not very attractive in this state.


This way to the starting page

Go on to the next page if you would like to see the attribution of this coin and take a good look at its final state. Otherwise you can return to the starting page for this discussion on cleaning.

 This way to see how it turned out