Constantine SARMATIA DEVICTA

I hadn't bought any coins in quite a long time--in a previous post I explained how life had intervened for nearly two years and coin collecting had taken a back seat. When I finally got the urge to begin collecting again, I figured I should ease my wife back into the obsession she'd soon be dealing with again. The best way? Find some nice coins that were, well, nice but inexpensive. Enter this coin which, in hand, is one of my favorites.

I must say, I was not a fan of Constantinian bronzes--the coins, or the history. I don't know--the history never interested me as much as that of the earlier empire, and coins of Constantine's family were just two common for my taste. However, as a general collection taste, I prefer military-styled reverses, particularly (as explained in a previous post), reverses with military trophies and/or captives. I love Roman propaganda that publicizes a Roman military victory.

This AE 3 commemorates a Roman victory over the Samartians in 322 AD. The coin is 19mm, weighs 3.13g, has a gorgeous black patina and feels great in the hand. The obverse features Constantine's laureate head facing right, with the legend CONSTANTINVS AVG. On the reverse is Victory advancing right holding a trophy and branch, spurning a captive seated on the ground. The reverse legend is SARMATIA DEVICTA, and PTR is in the exergue. The coin was struck at Trier. The reference is RIC VII Trier 435. An interesting aspect of the coin is the very sharp detail. However, there are smudges in select places of the reverse. I guess indicating something weird about the reverse die...?

BTW, I am on a Constantinian-era bronze kick. Rarer emperors, though. I told you I bought two AE3s of Procopius and a Delmatius. In recent days, I tried hard, though ultimately unsuccessfully, to add a Hanniballianus, a Flavius Victor, a Vetranio, and a Magnentius to my collection.