Lot 3570

Description

Constantine I, (307-337), billon argenteus or centenionalis, 18mm, (2.80 g), Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina, struck AD 312, obv. Helmeted, draped, and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder, around IMP CONSTANTI NVS AVG, rev. two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT/PR in two lines over altar, around VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, PTR in exergue, (S.15959, RIC VII 208A [wrong date], RSC 643). Good very fine, lightly toned, porous and rare.

This is the first issue of this reverse type and should be placed in RIC VI after 826.
This was an experimental denomination containing 25% silver. It was soon abandoned but the name centenionalis continued in 318-9 with coins of 2-3% silver.