Nomos 23

Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 21.5 mm, 4.49 g, 6 h), Rome, P = 1st officina, 357. FL IVL CONST-ANTIVS P F AVG Diademed bust of Constantius II to left, wearing consular robes, holding mappa in his right hand and scepter in his left. Rev. FELICITAS RO-MANORVM / RSMP (palm) Roma seated facing, holding spear in her left hand, and supporting wreath inscribed VOT / XXXV / MVLT / XXXX in four lines with her right; on right, Constantinopolis seated left, holding scepter in her left hand, and supporting the wreath with her right. RIC 297. Depeyrot 15/2. Very rare. Lustrous and well-struck, and with a wonderfully detailed consular bust of Constantius. Extremely fine.

The late Roman military officer and historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, records that in celebrating his 35th year in power, Constantius II formally entered Rome on 28 April 357 to adoring crowds and great pageantry (i.e., he made an adventus). His procession began with foot soldiers and heavy cavalry wearing highly polished armor, then the emperor appeared riding in a golden chariot and wearing robes encrusted with precious gems (perhaps the very same robes he is shown wearing on the obverse of this coin). By this time the city of Rome had long ceased to be the administrative or political center of the Roman Empire, yet it still retained its status as the symbolic center. Thus Constantius' entry into the city was a significant event. Ammianus tells us that in addition to celebrating his anniversary, Constantius' visit also served to commemorate his recent defeat of the usurper Magnentius. Modern scholars have even seen in this visit the beginnings of a reconciliation between the Arian Christian emperor and the largely pagan aristocracy of Rome.