Late Roman Bronze Coins

Coin talk => Unlisted => Topic started by: Finn235 on July 05, 2017, 04:59:39 PM

Title: Constantine I - Providentia CAESS from Arles - Crispus mule?
Post by: Finn235 on July 05, 2017, 04:59:39 PM

Purchased unattributed:

Constantine I
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, Laureate bust right
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS, Campgate with 6 rows, 2 turrets, star above
Mintmark T*AR (Arles, 3rd officina?)

The only campgates for Constanine I with the CAESS reverse legend are attributed as mules, so far only from Cyzicus. This reverse (legend and mintmark) seem to be Crispus, RIC VII Arles 268.

AFAIK, the third officina at Arles did not produce coins for Constantine I using this mintmark, meaning the obverse die must have been transported between officinae to produce this mule.

Does my attribution seem correct? Is anyone aware of additional examples of this coin?

Title: Re: Constantine I - Providentia CAESS from Arles - Crispus mule?
Post by: Victor on July 05, 2017, 05:07:08 PM

though the style looks good, there is also the possibility of it being unofficial.

I always lean towards unofficial when unusual coins are found.

Ferrando’s book (https://www.amazon.fr/LATELIER-MONETAIRE-CONSTANTIN-ROMULUS-313-476/dp/2951103719) on the Arles mint illustrates a lot of unofficial issues, many in good style.

Title: Re: Constantine I - Providentia CAESS from Arles - Crispus mule?
Post by: Finn235 on July 06, 2017, 01:05:29 AM

Thanks for the reply, Victor!

At this point, any ideas what might be needed to determine, one way or the other?

Title: Re: Constantine I - Providentia CAESS from Arles - Crispus mule?
Post by: Victor on July 06, 2017, 09:46:24 AM

You may not ever be able to determine with 100% certainty, but for me, it is an easy enough call. There are a few style issues (but maybe I am nitpicking) coupled with the wrong reverse. I frequently refer to Occam's razor when researching coins- the easiest answer is true. In this case, the easiest answer is that this coin is unofficial.