Constantius III
Imperator Caesar Flavius Constantius Augustus
Flavius Constantius was a Danubian general who became the dominant power in the West after Stilicho's fall. He recovered Gaul from the usurpers Constantine III and Jovinus, and the African provinces from Heraclianus. He married Galla Placidia, the captive half-sister of Honorius, in 417, a union that produced the future emperor Valentinian III. Honorius eventually recognised him as co-Augustus in 421, but the Eastern court under Theodosius II refused recognition. Constantius died of pleurisy after only seven months as Augustus.
Constantius III was arguably the most capable western ruler of his era, and had he lived longer his son's reign might have been very different. His marriage to Galla Placidia was dynastic statecraft of a high order, securing the Theodosian line's continuation. His coins are genuine rarities in any denomination.
Key Events
Coinage
The coinage of Constantius III is extremely rare; his seven-month reign as Augustus left almost no time for significant coin production. A small number of solidi and siliquae bearing his portrait exist from western mints. His portrait as Augustus shows a powerful, bearded military face consistent with his role as the empire's real military commander for nearly a decade.
Denominations
Notable Types
- VICTORIA AVGGG types (joint with Honorius and Theodosius II)
- Rare solidus portrait types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume X,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume V,