Constantius II - Soldius GOLD extremely rare R2 (O2206)

Constantius II, 337-361. Solidus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.23 g, 5 h), Antiochia, November 355-November 361. FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust of Constantius II facing, his head turned slightly to right, holding spear over his shoulder in his right hand and with a shield, decorated with horseman attacking fallen foe, over left shoulder. Rev. GLORIA REI PVBLICAE / SMANI• Roma, helmeted, seated facing on the left, and Constantinopolis, turreted, seated to left, placing her right foot on prow, holding between them a shield inscribed VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX. Depeyrot 9/1. RIC 162. Clipped, good fine.

Antioch was the chief city of Asia from Greek times through the Roman Empire. Note the final "E," which appears in the reverse exergue of this beautiful solidus. Greek letters often were used as numerals, and since Antioch is an eastern city, this solidus was struck at the fifth officina. Western mints usually employed Latin letters, again at the close of the mint signature, to further identify that particular section of the mint which produced the coin.