John Gray Coin Project
Mrs. Flood 06/08/09
Back
Coin Diameter: 1.5 cm
Weight: 1.94g
Metal: Bronze
Obverse depiction: A man looking right while wearing an olive branch
Reverse depiction: two soldiers standing by two standards
Obverse inscription: FL IVL CONSTANS NOB C
Obverse inscription translation: Flavius Julius Constans
Reverse inscription: Gloria Exeretvs
Reverse inscription translation: The Glory of the army
Mint Location: Siscia
Exergue Markings: Sisc
What features of this coin make it distinct: The soldiers holding two standards and the man who looks right.
Biography: Flavius Julius Constans, the third son of Constantine the Great, was emperor of Rome from the year 337 to 350, the year of his death. When Constantine the Great died he divided the empire amongst his three sons. Constans received Africa, Italy and Pannonia as his portion. Constantine II attempted to take advantage of his younger brother when he invaded Italy in 340. Despite his youth and inexperience Constans quelled the incursion and Constantine II was killed at Aquileia. Constans had many successful endeavors such as his campaign against the Franks in 343. In 350 Constans was betrayed by a general named Magnentius. With no support he fled to Gaul where he was eventually assassinated.
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