Detail View: The AMICA Library: Solidus of Constantius II (Sole Emperor, 353?361)
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AMICA ID:
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MMA_.04.35.18
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AMICA Library Year:
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2002
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Object Type:
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Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
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Description:
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This coin was struck in Rome, probably in the year 353 by Constantius II, one of the four sons of Constantine the Great. Constantius II ruled the Eastern half of the empire from 337 to 353, when he became ruler of the entire empire upon the death of his brother Constans (350) and the defeat of the usurper Magnentius (353). He is remembered for his support of Arianism (a Christian sect that had been declared heretical at the Council of Nicaea in 325), and for his construction of the original Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which Justinian would rebuild on a grander scale 200 years later. Constantius is shown on this coin in a new portrait style, at a three-quarter angle. He wears military dress, holding a lance and a shield. On the shield is shown a sunburst motif.
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Creator Nationality:
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Asian; Anatolian; Byzantine
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Byzantine
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Title:
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Solidus of Constantius II (Sole Emperor, 353?361)
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View:
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Principal view
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Creation Date:
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353-361
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Creation Start Date:
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353
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Creation End Date:
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361
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Materials and Techniques:
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Gold
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Dimensions:
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Diam. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York
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ID Number:
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04.35.18
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Credit Line:
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Bequest of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
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Copyright:
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Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art . All rights reserved.
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Rights:
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.h1_04.35.18.tif
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