Roman Empire AE 2 Constantius II 337 A.D. Constantinople RIC-126 AU

The Roman Empire AE2 of Constantius II, struck in 337 A.D. at the Constantinople Mint and catalogued as RIC-126, is a magnificent bronze issue from the dawn of the Constantinian dynasty’s second generation. It represents a time of transition and consolidation within the late Roman Empire, following the death of Constantine the Great and the subsequent division of the empire among his three sons. Constantius II, who inherited the eastern provinces, quickly emerged as one of the most capable and enduring rulers of the family, reigning for more than two decades and shaping the political and religious character of the later empire. The AE2 denomination—larger than the AE3 and AE4 bronzes of the same era—was intended to carry a sense of prestige and official grandeur. Its imagery, inscriptions, and craftsmanship together project themes of divine favor, military authority, and dynastic continuity, serving as both currency and imperial statement during one of Rome’s most transformative epochs.

The obverse of this AE2 features an impressive portrait of Constantius II facing right, draped and cuirassed, wearing the diadem that signifies his imperial status. The diadem, adorned with pearls and tied at the back, replaced the laurel wreath as the symbol of sovereignty in the Constantinian era, reflecting the imperial association with divine rulership rather than purely military victory. The emperor’s facial features are rendered in the stylized manner of the late Roman period—elongated and idealized rather than purely naturalistic. His prominent brow, straight nose, and calm, distant expression convey the solemn authority of a ruler chosen by divine providence. The obverse legend reads “D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG,” an abbreviation for “Dominus Noster Constantius Pius Felix Augustus,” meaning “Our Lord Constantius, Dutiful and Blessed Augustus.” This formula underscores the semi-sacred nature of imperial rule in the fourth century, as emperors increasingly presented themselves as God’s chosen representatives on earth, combining Roman tradition with emerging Christian ideology.

The reverse of this coin features one of the most emblematic designs of the early post-Constantinian era. The type associated with RIC-126 commonly displays two soldiers standing facing one another, each holding a spear in one hand and resting the other upon a shield, with two military standards between them. This design, which had been introduced under Constantine I, symbolizes the unity and discipline of the Roman army under divine protection. The legend “GLORIA EXERCITVS” translates to “The Glory of the Army,” a direct acknowledgment of the army’s role as both the defender and instrument of imperial power. The twin standards between the soldiers—often topped with the Chi-Rho monogram, symbolizing Christ, or other imperial insignia—represent divine guidance and the sanctity of the Roman legions. This image perfectly encapsulates the ideological synthesis of military strength and Christianized imperial authority that defined Constantius II’s reign. It was a declaration that Rome’s success and stability derived not only from arms but also from divine sanction.

The Constantinople Mint, established by Constantine the Great after the founding of his new capital in 330 A.D., quickly became one of the most important minting centers of the later empire. As the political heart of the eastern realm, it supplied coinage for an extensive and economically vital region, including the Balkans, Asia Minor, and the Near East. The mint operated with several officinae (workshops), each identified by small marks in the exergue of the coin—typically letters such as “A,” “B,” or “Γ” (Greek gamma), corresponding to the first, second, or third officina. The RIC-126 issue belongs to a series produced in the late 330s, distinguished by its precise strikes, consistent alloy composition, and refined artistry. The AE2 bronze coin typically measured around 22–24 millimeters in diameter and weighed approximately 5–6 grams. The alloy used was a high-quality bronze with a light patina when new, sometimes showing traces of tin or silver wash, intended to enhance its luster and durability in circulation.

The mintage of the “Gloria Exercitus” type was immense, as it served as one of the principal coinages of the empire during the years immediately following Constantine’s death. The design’s message of military unity was especially relevant in 337 A.D., when the three sons of Constantine—Constantius II, Constantine II, and Constans—divided the empire among themselves after purging many of their male relatives in a bloody consolidation of power. Constantius II, ruling from Constantinople, faced immediate challenges in securing loyalty among his armies and provinces. The “Glory of the Army” reverse thus carried deliberate propaganda value, reinforcing the notion that the legions remained faithful to the divine order of succession established by Constantine. The uniformity of the type across multiple mints also reinforced the empire’s cohesion, reminding the populace that, despite regional divisions, Rome’s military and spiritual core remained united under the Constantinian dynasty’s divine mandate.

The condition of this particular specimen, graded About Uncirculated (AU), attests to both its careful preservation and the high quality of its original striking. The obverse portrait of Constantius II remains sharp, with the diadem’s pearls and ties fully visible, and fine details preserved in the facial features and cuirass. The legends are bold and complete, showing only the slightest smoothing on the highest points. On the reverse, the two soldiers are fully defined, their armor and spears crisp, and the standards between them sharply delineated with discernible detail in the banners and symbols. The legend “GLORIA EXERCITVS” is clear and deeply impressed, with no weak spots or doubling. The coin retains a pleasing, smooth patina ranging from deep brown to olive, with traces of original luster visible in the protected areas. The strike is perfectly centered, the rims intact and free from corrosion, and the surfaces show only minimal handling. Such preservation is rare for a bronze issue of the fourth century, especially one struck for circulation across the bustling trade centers of the eastern empire.

Historically, this coin reflects a pivotal moment in the evolution of imperial ideology. Constantius II inherited not only his father’s empire but also his religious vision—an empire united under a Christian God yet still steeped in classical Roman symbolism. The “Gloria Exercitus” type bridges these worlds, maintaining traditional military imagery while subtly incorporating Christian undertones. Under Constantius II, Christianity became increasingly central to imperial policy; he continued his father’s support of the Church but also sought to impose doctrinal uniformity, favoring Arianism over Nicene orthodoxy. His coinage, while not overtly Christian in most designs, carried a new moral and spiritual tone—emphasizing divine order, piety, and imperial destiny. This AE2 issue from Constantinople thus stands at the crossroads of two eras: the fading classical empire of Mars and Jupiter and the rising Christian empire of the cross and the chi-rho.

Economically, coins like this AE2 served as the backbone of the Roman monetary system in the mid-fourth century. The smaller denominations, such as the AE3 and AE4, were used for local transactions, while the larger AE2 issues carried higher value and circulated broadly throughout the empire’s commercial hubs. The Constantinople Mint’s production ensured that the eastern economy remained stable and well-supplied with coinage during a period of transition and reform. The empire’s reliance on bronze coinage also reflects the continuing devaluation of silver issues, as gold solidi increasingly dominated high-value trade and state payments. Despite these challenges, the AE2 remained essential for maintaining everyday commerce and conveying imperial imagery to the populace, reinforcing the emperor’s presence even in distant provinces.

From a numismatic perspective, the AE2 of Constantius II (RIC-126 “Gloria Exercitus”) is both historically and artistically significant. Its bold design, fine portraiture, and enduring symbolism make it a quintessential example of late Roman bronze coinage. The combination of sharp engraving and rich patina in this About Uncirculated specimen captures the essence of Constantius II’s reign—discipline, devotion, and the steady continuation of his father’s legacy. To collectors and historians alike, it offers a tangible connection to a moment when the Roman world was redefining itself—politically, militarily, and spiritually—under the guiding hand of Constantine’s heir. This coin, forged in the imperial workshops of Constantinople and preserved with remarkable clarity, stands as both an artifact of continuity and a symbol of transformation, reflecting the enduring strength and faith of the late Roman Empire under Constantius II.