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Imitation Constantinople commemorative

not only a Constantinopolis copy, but it is copying Lyons, which is easily figured out by the obverse style and the distinctive shield on the reverse.


official example with same style shield--

According to Bastien (ANSMN 30, p. 144-145), "A second wave of imitations began in the last few years of Constantine's reign and went on up to a date which is difficult to determine precisely, between 342 and 348. It copies the types Gloria exercitus with both two standards and one, Urbs Roma, Constantinopolis, Pax publica and Pietas romana, in modules which decrease in size and end up in minimissimi of 0.30 g and 7 mm and even less". Later, in regard to this same group of imitations, he writes (p. 165), "From the evidence gathered from hoards and from coins found on sites, we know that they circulated mainly in Gaul and Britain." The first "wave" implied above began with the reform of 318 and included prototypes issued from 318 through 330. See Pierre Bastien, 'Imitations of Roman Bronze Coins, A.D. 318-363' in Museum Notes 30 (1985), American Numismatic Society, pp. 143-177 and plates. As with most other ANS publications, it should be available to read online or download free of charge at hathitrust.org.