The Coinage of Constantine II: Typology and Historical Context

This article examines the coinage of Emperor Constantine II (AD 317–340) as material evidence reflecting the political, military, and ideological transformations of the Late Roman Empire. The study classifies his coinage into three main groups: Caesar Issues (AD 317–337), featuring military motifs such as GLORIA EXERCITVS; Commemorative Issues (AD 330–335), celebrating the foundation of Constantinople alongside Rome, including types like CONSTANTINOPOLIS and VRBS ROMA; and Augustus Issues (AD 337–340), marked by imperial vows (VOT inscriptions) and propaganda themes such as FEL TEMP REPARATIO. A worn bronze specimen is analyzed and compared against the Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) typology, suggesting it belongs to the Commemorative series. Through typological comparison and iconographic interpretation, the article highlights the role of Constantine II’s coinage as both historical documentation and numismatic art, offering insights into the empire’s political messaging during a period of transition.