This coin was just auctioned in a CNG e-auction 415. It has a hippocamp on the shield. In all my years of collecting this series, I have never seen another example like this. Maybe it is something that only appeals to a specialist, but I think it is pretty cool. :D It looks like either Siscia 50,56 or possibly 61, though the bust looks like earlier issues. There is also a radiate Constantine coin in the lot which must have a VOT XX reverse -- Ticinum 131.
I also find it interesting that CNG thought so little of this coin as to throw in in a grubby group; but I am sure that it sold for a cheaper price due to the way it was listed.
Constantine I
A.D. 318-19
18mm 2.4gm
IMP CONSTANT-INVS AVG; high crested helmet, cuir., spear across r. shoulder, shield on left arm inscribed with hippocamp.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP -- two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding wreath inscribed VOT PR on altar.
in ex. BSIS
RIC VII Siscia 56
and the radiate and Vetranio
Nice catch!
it's third example that I know of, all same dies, RIC 56 but small correction it is delta not BSIS as clearly seen on my 2nd example but not on other two.
First one I bought from Beast Coins, he thought shield has large letters K B, it's on his page http://www.beastcoins.com/Topical/VLPP/Coins/Siscia/VLPP-Siscia.htm
For me looked like horse in opposite direction (like you found some lately) but I compared it with some shields from Probus, described as gryphons. So I have them listed as gryphon shield, but I welcome hippocamp as much better attribution.
Anyway it always fascinating to see how many new variants are still out there.
Best,
Damir
PS - Your post on coin talk brought me here :)
Quote from: siscia_avg on March 30, 2018, 01:24:48 PM
For me looked like horse in opposite direction (like you found some lately) but I compared it with some shields from Probus, described as gryphons. So I have them listed as gryphon shield, but I welcome hippocamp as much better attribution.
Yes, at first I thought it was a gryphon, but the closer I looked, the more it resembled a hippocamp.
thanks for the link to Beast's old example. I am sure I had seen it before and seem to remember thinking that his description did not seem right.