Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 171. Estimate CHF4250.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF8000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Constans. 337-350. Solidus (Gold, 4.48 g 12), Siscia, 337-340. CONSTANS P F AVG Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constans to right Rev. SPES REIPVBLICAE / .SIS. Constans, in military dress, standing left, holding scepter in his left hand and labarum with Christogram in his right; behind him to right, Victory standing left, holding palm in her left hand and crowning the emperor with wreath held in her right. RIC 10. Rare. Good extremely fine.

From the collections of a Gentleman and of G. Lacam, Dürr/Michel, 8 November 1999, 12 and ex Bank Leu 22, 8 May 1979, 389.

Constans was Constantine I’s youngest son with Fausta; born at some point between 320 and 323 he became Caesar in 333. In 337 he received Italy, Africa, Illyria, Macedonia and Achaea as his portion as Augustus. After the death of his brother Constantine II in 340, he gained all his territories. As a ruler he became increasingly unpopular and was finally murdered in 350 at the orders of the usurper Magnentius.