Obolos 18

Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 21.5 mm, 4.48 g, 5 h), Thessalonica, 340-350. CONSTANTIVS AVGVSTUS Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust to right, all within wreath border. Rev. VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG / TES Two Victories standing facing one another, holding between them a wreath inscribed VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX in four lines; all within wreath border. Depeyrot 6/1. RIC 69. Rare issue. Three small peck marks on the obverse and one on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.

From the Trausnitz Collection, acquired prior to 2007.

The 'peck' or punch marks on this coin almost certainly mean that it had been in use in Germanic areas outside the Empire. While normally found on silver coins used in Northern Europe beginning in the 9th century, the marks on this solidus must have a similar function. Usually thought to simply be a test mark to ensure that the coin was not a plated fake, the presence of more than one makes this solution somewhat unlikely - one test mark would surely be enough! Thus, the possibility of a more symbolic or magical function has to be entertained.