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Next ImageThe identification and attribution of this little coin turned into a bit of a detective story and puzzle for the author. Though the coin is in about XF condition, the mintmark was a little hard to read. Also, only DN CONSTAN of the obverse legend was visible, the rest being off the flan. The small size made the coin appear to be from the period after AD 346, so the second part of Carson, Hill, and Kent was used as a starting point. On further examination, the coin was from just before 346 and was simply struck on an undersized flan. The partial legend could be either DN CONSTAN TIVS PF AVG or DN CONSTAN TINVS PF AVG, giving us either Constantine II or Constantius II for the emperor. Another look at Carson, Hill, and Kent revealed that the VOT XX MVLT XXX legend was issued by both Constantius II and Constans but was not struck before 341. The fragment of obverse legend would also be appropriate for Constans but, luckily for the author, Constans was slain in battle in 340.
On examining the diadem, the reader will notice it is quite different from most diadems seen on these coins, consisting of three rosettes with pearls. The design in the diadem is often used as a clue to a coin's proper attribution.
Catalog Number LRBC 1064 Carson, Hill, and Kent Late Roman Bronze Coinage
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