Constantine I VLPP from Siscia...draped and cuirassed

[Victor]

similar to RIC 61 except draped and cuirassed versus cuirassed only


Constantine I
A.D. 319
19x20mm   3.2g
IMP CONSTANTI-NVS AVG; high crested helmet, draped and cuir., spear across r. shoulder, shield on left arm
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
in ex. BSIS•   
cf. RIC VII Siscia 61

[Lech Stępniewski]

Yes, it is a good example of bust on which cuirass is absolutely not visible. But of course it does not mean that anyone ever thought that emperor with shield, helmet and spear is not cuirassed.

It would be better to describe by default those dubious busts as draped and cuirassed. Even if cuirass is sometimes not visible. I like Bastien's way with busts seen from back (B3 in RIC VII) and really hate those vague distinctions in RIC VI. Although Sutherland had sometimes similar idea. For example when he described busts C and D on page 358 as "with or without cuir."