Late Roman Bronze Coins
General discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Fel Temp Reparatio on January 28, 2024, 01:32:10 PM
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This is my post. I'm Italian. I'm happy to be part of this forum.
I saw on the net a FEL TEMP REPARATIO "one captive" from Thessalonica for Constantius II.
For example:
[https://www.nummus-bible-database.com/monnaie-81943.htm][/url]
I read that this tipology was minted only in Thessalonica, but I don't understand why.
Can you help me?
Sorry for my english.
Best regards.
Fel Temp Reparatio
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Hello and welcome.
This type might reference the defeat of Magnentius in 353.
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Yes, I think this is a reaction to Magentius & Decentius taking Siscia in 351 AD, so we have this Fel Temp type, similar to Magnentius' VICTORIA AVG ET CAES, issued from Constantius's nearest mint of Thessalonica for himself and Gallus. The Sirmium may not have yet been open - it was created in response to Magnentius taking Siscia.
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Victor, Heliodromus...thanks a lot for your answer, very intersting.
But, on the book of Shawn Caza "Late roman bronze coin", I read that the figure on the reverse is probably Costantius Gallus, regarding his campaign in Mesopotamia. In this case, however, I don't understand the link with Thessalonica.
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Shawn has his own opinions, which are not necessarily facts. The Magnentius reference seems much more likely; while trying to tie this type to something a new Caesar did seems to be quite a stretch. Magnentius was also the biggest threat to the Empire and much more worthy of commemorating on a coin.
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Siscia was the furthest east that Magnentius was able to push (issuing the VICTORIA AVG ET CAES type from there). The Sirmium mint did not exist at that time, so Thessalonica was the closest mint to Siscia that Constantius still controlled, which is why it seems he chose to issue this type from there, and copied Magnentius' "emperor with labarum and captive" design.
I think the reverse of both coin types is probably just meant as to show a member of team A (mangentius+decentius) or team B (constantius+gallus) - but not necessarily augustvs vs caesar.
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Thanks Victor, thanks Heliodromus.
In my simple opinion, I agree with you; this seems the most likely hypothesis.
Indeed, the figure on the obverse seems bare....seems....I can't be sure...
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An interesting discussion of this scarcer type. BTW, there's a budget example of one on eBay right now. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325783304026
Victor, if this post is inappropriate, you can move / delete.
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No, the post is fine, since I don't have any for sale :); though the link to the listing will expire so I have attached screenshots for posterity.
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Well, if we are thinking about posterity, I will go ahead and upload my example.
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Well maybe not posterity...but at least a few more years. ;D
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Thanks to everyone for contributions to the discussion.
This type is rarer for Costantius Gallus, it seems to me:
https://www.nummus-bible-database.com/monnaie-83650.htm
(don’t know yet attach pictures and links, sorry)
Goodnight
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It should be noted that in addition to the battle of the mints going on here, there was also the rather more significant battle of Mursa (which took place just east of Siscia) which was what turned Magnentius around and sent him in retreat back to Italy. Both sides took huge losses, and it is considered as one of the most bloody wars of the 4thC.
I'd assume that Magnentius Siscian coins were issued shortly after he took control of Siscia, and before the battle. It's not clear *exactly* when Constantius' Thessalonican Fel Temp type was issued. After his (considered pyrrhic) victory, perhaps ?
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Interesting discussion. I have a Constantius II version too that I like very much... here it is!
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As far as who's being depicted on the reverse of Constantius' Fel Temp type, it's interesting to note the captive, such as on Joshmaggosh's specimen where it's nice and clear. The captive appears to have rather distinctive hedgehog-style hair! Hmm ... :D
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To me, at first, it looked like a sort of Phrygian hat