Constantius II; AR Siliqua; Constantinople, 4th officina; 340-342.
Obv. Laurel-rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius II to the right. DN CONSTA - NTIVS AVG.
Rv. VOT / XV / MVLT / XX within a wreath. FELICITAS REI PVBLICE around, C•Δ mintmark below.
Silver, 3.03 g, 19 mm, 12h. RIC VIII p. 451 no. 58.
Grade: About UNC.
A very interesting issue related to the 15th anniversary (quindecenallia) of Constantius II's rule. It is clearly visible that the emperor wears a diadem richly adorned with rosettes, not a simpler pearl diadem. The titulature used for Constantius II without PF in the obverse legend is only encountered in solidi from this period from the mint in Kyzikos, but with the reverse VOT XX MVLT XXX (RIC VIII p. 490, no. 3). However, solidi with legends referring to the 20th year of rule (vicenallia) are more commonly encountered than the one presented here. In contrast to many other variations of solidi from later years, this type includes a legend that runs outside the wreath. This issue undoubtedly originated after the death of Constantine II and before the extensive minting with the VOT XX MVLT XXX legend began. RIC does not list the 4th mint office for this type.
