Constantius II
Imperator Caesar Flavius Julius Constantius Augustus
Flavius Julius Constantius, the middle son of Constantine I, ruled the East from 337 and became sole emperor in 353 after defeating the usurper Magnentius. His long reign of 24 years was marked by constant conflict: against Persia in the East, Germanic tribes in the West, and usurpers throughout. His promotion of Arianism brought him into sharp conflict with Nicene bishops including Athanasius and Hilary of Poitiers. He died on campaign against his cousin Julian, who he had himself appointed Caesar.
Constantius II's FEL TEMP REPARATIO 'falling horseman' type is among the most widely collected late Roman coins: affordable, plentiful, well-struck, and historically rich. His long reign documents the gradual Christianisation of the imperial coinage and administration; the last vestiges of pagan imagery disappear under his rule.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Constantius II is among the most varied and plentiful of any late Roman emperor, spanning 24 years across both eastern and western mints. The FEL TEMP REPARATIO series, particularly the 'falling horseman' type (emperor spearing a fallen horseman), is one of the most iconic and frequently collected of all late Roman reverse types. The SPES REIPVBLICAE (Hope of the State) and GLORIA REIPVBLICAE types are also common.
Denominations
Notable Types
- FEL TEMP REPARATIO: falling horseman (the iconic type)
- FEL TEMP REPARATIO: galley type
- FEL TEMP REPARATIO: soldier spearing fallen horseman from horse
- SPES REIPVBLICAE types
- VOT XX MVLT XXX solidus types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volumes VII–VIII,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volumes IV–V,