Æ (In the name of Constantius II; Plain staffs) (350-425) front Æ (In the name of Constantius II; Plain staffs) (350-425) back
Æ (In the name of Constantius II; Plain staffs) (350-425) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Æ In the name of Constantius II; Plain staffs

 
Bronze 4.91 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
Uncertain Germanic tribes
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
350-425
Currency
Solidus (circa 301-750)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
4.91 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#153940
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Person holding two staffs and surrounded by legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
MXXO - OIIOW
OX·

Translation:
[Concordiae Militum]
[Harmony of the military]

Edge

Plain

Comment

This coin is said to be struck from the mid-4th to early-5th centuries. While the mintmarks on most of these types are of uncertain mints, the prototypes for those coins were either struck in Thessalonica mint or Siscia mint, with those two types both being first struck in 350. With that being said, that is the most-likely beginning date for this entire type of AE struck by an Uncertain Germanic Tribe.

The denominations of bronze coins that are unknown to numismatists are referred to as Æ (AE), followed by the coin's diameter. The Æ part simply means the coin is made of a base alloy, and because the diameter of these coins is never exactly as intended, different numbers can appear after the Æ for the same type.

The exact lettering of the surrounding legend may vary.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was created during a time of great cultural and political change in Europe, as the Roman Empire was declining and Germanic tribes were rising to power. Despite the uncertainty of its origins, this coin remains a valuable piece of history, offering insights into the economic and social dynamics of ancient Europe.