A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman

Roman Imperial Coinage, Constantius II, Medallion, Rome, diademed and cuirassed bust right, d n constantivs p f avg, rev. vrbs roma, Roma seated left on throne, holding spear and globe, shield at side, 30mm, 16.08g, 30mm (Gnecchi 69, and pl. 138, 3; C 346). Very fine, reverse better, very rare £800-1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Provenance: Seaby List M228, July 1934 (17551).

Roman bimetallic medallions were donative in nature and awarded as presentation pieces or diplomatic gifts on behalf of the emperor or the senate. They were often commemorative. From Antonine times they were produced in two metals, a central portion of soft copper and an outer rim of harder bronze which provided a large area for striking complex designs with oversized dies engraved by master die cutters