Constans AD 337-350 Silver Siliqua Thessalonica

Constans as Caesar AD 337-350 Silver Siliqua

Bust looking upwards / Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm

Thessalonica

2.95g, 21mm

This coin comes with previous dealers printed label.

Constans was the youngest of the four sons of Constantine the Great. He was the grandson of Maximian and Constantius I. Promoted to Caesar in AD 333. Four years later he became Augustus upon the death of his father and murders of his cousins Delmatius and Hanniballianus. Granted extensive territories in the Balkans, Italy and North Africa he aroused the jealousy of his elder brother Constantine II who had been assigned more western territories in Gaul, Spain and Britain. Constantine II invaded Italy in AD 340 but was ambushed by Constans and killed near Aquileia.
Constans had been baptised as a Christian and his espousal of Christianity was extreme. This resulted in a persecution of Jews, pagans and violators of morally which alienated many of his subjects including parts of the army which were sometimes treated with contempt. Constans avarice and meanness resulted in a culture of corruption both within his own household and also those of many of his appointees.
His reign did see some military successes against the Franks and Sarmatians. Constans was also the last Roman emperor to visit Britain which he did in AD 343. A decade of rule by the two sons of Constantine the Great came to an abrupt end in AD 350, when a distinguished soldier Magnentius was suddenly proclaimed emperor at a party which was being held by Constans. Constans fled but was overtaken and killed.