Constantius Chlorus
Imperator Caesar Gaius Flavius Valerius Constantius Augustus
Gaius Flavius Valerius Constantius, called Chlorus ('the Pale') in later tradition, was Caesar under Maximian in the first Tetrarchy and its most respected military commander. He recovered Britain from the usurper Allectus in 296 and stabilised the Rhine frontier. On the abdications of 305, he became senior Augustus of the West. He crossed to Britain for a northern campaign and died at Eboracum (York) in 306. At his bedside was his son Constantine, who was immediately acclaimed emperor by the troops.
Constantius Chlorus's recovery of Britain established the Roman province's security for another century. His death at York made it the most historically significant city in Britain's Roman history; it was the birthplace of Constantine the Great's imperial career. The London mint issues of his reign are particularly prized by British numismatic collectors.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Constantius Chlorus as Caesar and brief Augustus is among the finest of the Tetrarchic period. The British mint at London (Londinium), reopened under him, produced some particularly crisp folles. The GENIO POPVLI ROMANI type dominates, but the BRITANNIA types commemorating his recovery of Britain are historically significant. His portrait is consistently among the most distinguished in the Tetrarchic series.
Denominations
Notable Types
- GENIO POPVLI ROMANI (predominant Tetrarchic type)
- ADVENTVS AVG commemorating arrival in Britain
- BRITANNIA types from London mint
- FELIX ADVENT AVGG NN types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VI,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume IV,