Joey C. writes: Â I came across a coin that is labeled, “A.D. 337 Constantius II”. The coin certainly looks like it could be that old. The ‘heads’ side is in excellent condition showing a profile of a young man wearing a band of leaves around his head. The “tails” side has some wear to it, but it looks to be two men standing w/ letters or numbers in line down the middle of the coin separating them. Is this coin of any value? Thanks for your time. – Joey
Constantius II was one of the sons of Constantine, the Great (Emperor of Rome in 307 AD). The small copper Follis that is often seen brings less than $10 in worn condition. There are many of these in the market place, many of them found in digs in archaeological sites. Still, it is historic and interesting, as well as a great point in which to start an ancient coin collection. (I got interested in the subject with coins from the same family).
It goes to show that old doesn’t necessarily equal rare or valuable. It also means that you could put together a decent collection for less than it cost to buy many United States coins. Try to put together a family portrait, you have one family member already. Find the following copper folli:
- Constantine I (dad)
- Helena (grandma and mother of Constantine)
- Fausta (2nd wife of Constantine)
- Crispus (son of Constantine and his first wife Minervina)
- Constantine II – son of Constantine and Fausta
- Constantius II – son of Constantine and Fausta
- Constans – Son of Constantine and Fausta
A cool thing to do is to look up the history of Constantine and his family. The coin in your hand WAS THERE 1,700 years ago.
