★ Rare and Superb Siliqua ★

CONSTANTIUS GALLUS (Caesar, 351-354). Siliqua. Siscia.

Obv: D N CONSTANTIVS IVN NOB C.
Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA CAESARIS / SIS.
Victory advancing left, holding palm-branch and trophy.

RIC 299.

Rare

With the famous Battle of Mursa in 351 Constantius II inflicted a severe defeat on Magnentius, who two years later killed himself along with his brother Decentius, caesar of the West. This marked the beginning of a united kingdom for the winner, who at that point needed a caesar with a view to dynastic succession. Constantius appointed his cousin Constantius Gallus, who married Constantina, sister of the emperor and widow of Hanniballianus. Constantius Gallus was an able general who had brought down several Persian revolts. He had made himself hated not so much for his despotic ways as for his pro-poor monetary policy, in contrast to that initiated by Constantine and continued by Constantius II in favor of gold coinage and the wealthier classes. This led to his eventual assassination by a conspiracy of the Antioch aristocracy and his 'damnatio memoriae'. In his place in 355 Constantius II appointed Julian, who was destined to become emperor with the appellation “Apostate”.

Condition: Extremely fine; some luster in field.

Weight: 2.87 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.