Follis - Constantinus I VICTORIAE; Barbarous, imitating London
| Billon | 3.3 g | 19.2 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain barbarous city (Rome) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 350-420 |
| Value | Follis (1) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 3.3 g |
| Diameter | 19.2 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#275448 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Two Victories standing confronted, together holding inscribed shield over altar, ornamented with a diamond pattern
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTONIAII LAETAE PRIIIC
VT / YII on shield
PLN
Translation:
Blundered, should be VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP (Principium Perpertua) - joyous victory to the eternal Prince.
Shield inscription should be VOT PR, Vota Populi Romani - prayers (vows) of the Roman people.
London mintmark
Comment
A contemporary copy of a Constantine I AE follis, London mint prototype, RIC VII London 154, 319AD.The official issue, London RIC VII 154 var, also has legend IMP CONSTANTIVS MAX AG instead of the usual IMP CONSTANTIVS MAX AVG
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it is an example of a "barbarous imitation" coin, meaning it was produced outside of the Roman Empire's official minting system and may have been created by a local authority or a private individual. Despite its unofficial origins, the coin still bears the image of Emperor Constantinus I and the inscription "VICTORIAE," indicating that it was intended to be used as legitimate currency. This highlights the diversity and complexity of currency production during the late Roman Empire, where official and unofficial coins circulated alongside each other.
