7-197

RIC VII, CONSTANTINOPLE [before 22], CONSTANTINE I, UNLISTED BUST TYPE [E1], OFFICINA Γ

  

OBVERSE

CONSTANTI-NVSMAXAVG [CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG]; head r. with plain ladder-shaped diadem adorned with pearls [E1].

REVERSE

GLORIA-EXERCITVS [GLORIA EXERCITVS]; soldier stg. l., looking r., reversed spear in r. hand, l. hand on shield on ground. Γ in left field. CONS in exergue.

NOT IN RIC

UNLISTED BUST TYPE - E1. RIC lists for this reverse only two bust types: B1, head r., laur. [CONSTANTINOPLE 16, off. Γ] and E2, head r. with rosette-diadem [CONSTANTINOPLE 22, off. Γ and CONSTANTINOPLE 22, off. S] (p. 572-573).

However, classification of diadems on Constantinople coins is not very precise. The bust type of CONSTANTINOPLE 23 is also classified as E2, although in footnote 23 on p. 573 Bruun mentions specimen "with threefold pearl diadem". The same problem occurs with Constantiniana Dafne issue [CONSTANTINOPLE 29-35]. In footnote 29 on p. 574 Bruun writes as follows: "The distinction between the plain diadem and the rosette diadem is at times rather arbitrary. Diadems, structurally consisting of bands adorned with pearls and jewels and with small forehead jewel, if any, have been classified as plain diadems".

Compare the presented specimen with three other specimens from the same issue. The first with undoubtedly rosette-diadem [click for picture], the second, also rosette-diadem, but with large pellets and square rosettes [click for picture], and the third with diadem which still resembles a plain ladder-shaped diadem [click for picture].

Coin should be listed before CONSTANTINOPLE 22.

See also:
CONSTANTINOPLE [before 22], CONSTANTINE I, UNLISTED BUST TYPE [E1], OFFICINA S

NOTES

Weight 3.70 g; diameter 20 mm. Coin sold on Pecunem (Gitbud & Naumann) 3 (lot 296) in May 2013 for EUR 65.

Other specimens:

- from Papillon Numismatic auction 3 (lot 456), November 2020; weight 3.4 g; diameter 20 mm [click for picture];

- sold by CNG Coin Shop (no. 155942) for 95; weight 2.83 g; diameter 19 mm [click for picture];

- from the Rafael Alcover Robles Collection; weight 2.68 g; diameter 19 mm [click for picture].


NOT IN RIC © 2004 Lech Stępniewski