Constantius II, as Caesar, AV Solidus. Siscia, AD 334. FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, laureate and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Constantius in military attire standing left, holding vexillum in right hand and sceptre in left, two standards in right field; SIS in exergue. RIC - (227 var.); C. -; Depeyrot - (22/3 var.); NGSA 4, 268 = Tkalec 2002, 251; NAC 78, 1169 (correction). 4.56g, 20mm, 6h.

Good Extremely Fine, pleasant light reddish tone. Very Rare; only two other examples on CoinArchives.

Ex Ambrose Collection;
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 1169.

After the defeat of Licinius in 324, Constantine I finally secured sole rule over the empire and sought to begin securing the succession of his three sons: Constantine II, Constantius II and Constans. The second eldest son of Constantine, Constantius II, was raised to the rank of Caesar that same year and would later be given control over the eastern territories of the empire. After 324, the reverse types of Constantinian solidi become increasing dominated by images of the emperor and his family; Constantius II, like his brothers Constantine II, Constans, and their half-brother Crispus before them, is portrayed as the Prince of Youth; a title of great honour even in the days of the republic that since the reign of Augustus had been conferred on those who were intended to succeed to the throne. By this time, the role was a highly militaristic one (as necessity demanded), and the confidence placed in the heirs to the empire by entrusting them with important commands demonstrated the security of the imperial succession.