Obverse: D N FL CL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantius Gallus facing right.

Reverse: FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, Soldier, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, advancing left, spearing fallen horseman with right hand and wearing shield on left arm; shield on ground to right; horseman wearing pointed cap, facing soldier, raising right arm. Γ in left field, SMKA in ex.

RIC VIII 94. LRBC II 2301. [Cyzicus, AD 351-352].

Diameter: 25 mm. Weight: 6.0 g.

A superb silvered maiorina of Constantius Gallus struck in Cyzicus circa AD 351-352. In AD 350 Magnentius rebelled in Gaul - assassinating Constans and claiming the purple. Constantius II prepared to march against the usurper, amassing an army of around 60,000 men. Needing a representative in the East, Constantius II summoned his cousin Gallus to Sirmium, elevating him to the rank of Caesar in AD 351. Gallus was given command of the Eastern provinces while Constantius II was in the West dealing with Magnentius. During his short reign Gallus proved to be such a cruel tyrant that Constantius recalled him to Milan in AD 354 – luring him with the promise of promotion to the rank of Augustus. Gallus was arrested and executed before he reached Italy. A stunning, near mint condition example struck on a massive flan with sharp details and much original silvering remaining. One of the nicest examples I have seen. Sold with old collection ticket which appears to misattribute the coin to the Nicomedia mint.