Constantius Gallus, Caesar
351-354 AD
Flavius Claudius Constantius was initially named Gallus. He was a descendant of Constantius I Chlorus through his second wife, Theodora. Gallus was the half-brother of the future Emperor Julian II, the son of Constantius and Galla. He grew up at a court in Constantinople under Constantine the Great, a descendant of Constantius I Chlorus, with his first wife, Helena.
Fortunately, Gallus was generally in poor health as a child, which was why he was passed over during the Palace Massacre of 337 AD following the death of Constantine. In total, nine descendants of Theodora, stepmother of Constantine, were murdered by the sons of Constantine in a bid to keep the throne within their side of the family.
Gallus married the widow Constantia, daughter of Constantine the Great. Her husband was not so lucky, for he was murdered during the Palace Massacre. He was then raised to the rank of Caesar in March 351 AD, and at the same time, his name was changed to Constantius. Gallus was made Governor of the eastern provinces and took up his residence at Antioch. However, Gallus was an evil ruler whose edicts were so harsh and oppressive that his subjects complained to the Emperor. Constantia was said to have aided him in his crimes. Constantius II wrote to Gallus, requesting his presence in Milan, and had him arrested while on the journey. Constantia set out to defend her husband but died during the trip. At Pola, in Istria, Gallus was tried, condemned, and put to death during the winter of 354 AD.
Monetary System
Mints: Alexandria, Ambianum, Antioch, Arelate, Constantinople, Cyzicus, Heraclea, London, Lugdunum, Nicomedia, Rome, Siscia, Sirmium, Thessalonica, Ticinum, Treveri
Obverse Legends:
CONSTANTIVS CAES
D N CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
D N FL CL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
DENOMINATIONS
AU DOUBLE Solidus (8.50 grams)
AU Solidus (4.50 grams)
AU Semissis (2.25 grams)
AU 1.5 Scripulum (1.65 grams)
AR Miliarense (4.50 grams)
AR Siliqua (3.25 grams)
AE Centenionalis
AE3
Miliarense
The Roman miliarense silver coin had two distinct weights, serving different denominational purposes within the empire’s monetary system. Introduced during the 4th century, primarily under Constantine the Great, these weights were part of broader reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy after the Third Century Crisis. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons:
- Dual Denominations:
- Heavy Miliarense (Miliarense Maior): Struck at 1/60th of a Roman pound (libra), approximately 5.4 grams.
- Light Miliarense (Miliarense Minor): Struck at 1/72nd of a Roman pound, around 4.5 grams.
These two weights allowed for flexible transactions, with the heavier coin serving larger exchanges and the lighter one smaller ones, akin to modern denominations like dollars and half-dollars.
- Monetary Reforms:
The system was designed to complement the gold solidus and silver siliqua, integrating into a hierarchical currency structure. The heavy miliarense might have been tariffed at 12 siliquae, while the lighter one at 6, facilitating easier conversions and trade. - Economic Stabilization:
By standardizing weights, the empire could better control its money supply and combat inflation. This dual system provided reliability in a period marked by earlier debasement and economic instability. - Administrative Efficiency:
Different mints across the empire produced these coins, but the weight distinctions were intentional, not regional variations. This uniformity ensured acceptance empire-wide, crucial for a vast and diverse economy.
In essence, the two weights of the miliarense reflected a sophisticated approach to monetary policy, enabling the Roman Empire to manage transactions of varying scales efficiently while reinforcing economic stability.
The Roman heavy and light miliarense coins did circulate in the same regions, primarily during the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Here’s a concise breakdown:
- Monetary Reforms: Introduced during Constantine the Great’s reforms (early 4th century CE), both heavy (miliarensis maior) and light (miliarensis minor) versions were part of a structured silver coinage system. The heavy miliarense (~4.5g) and light (~3.9g) were likely valued at 1/72 and 1/84 of a Roman pound, respectively, serving different denominations.
- Regional Circulation: These coins were minted across the Empire, including major mints in both the Western (e.g., Rome, Milan) and Eastern (e.g., Constantinople, Antioch) regions. Their widespread production suggests concurrent circulation in the same areas, facilitating transactions of varying values.
- Economic Function: The heavy miliarense may have been used for larger transactions or ceremonial purposes, while the lighter one handled everyday trade. Their coexistence mirrored modern multi-denominational coin systems.
- Temporal Overlap: Both types were struck during overlapping periods, particularly under the Constantinian and later dynasties, allowing them to circulate together before gradual debasement and economic shifts phased them out.
Thus, the heavy and light miliarense functioned as complementary denominations within the same regions, supporting a flexible economy across the Roman Empire.
The heavy and light miliarense, silver coins introduced in the later Roman Empire (4th century CE), primarily differed in weight and economic value rather than design. Here’s a concise breakdown:
- Weight and Value:
- The heavy miliarense weighed approximately 5.4 grams, while the light miliarense was around 4.5 grams.
- Their value is derived from silver content, with the heavy variant worth about 1.5 times the light.
- Design Consistency:
- Obverse: Both typically featured the emperor’s bust in profile, often in military attire or diademed, consistent across denominations.
- Reverse: Common motifs included Victory, Roma, emperors holding labarum or globe, or military scenes. These designs were generally standardized within the same reign or period, regardless of denomination.
- Exceptions and Variations:
- Mint Location: Regional mints (e.g., Constantinople, Antioch) might introduce slight stylistic differences, but these were not tied to weight distinctions.
- Imperial Propaganda: Design changes often reflected shifts in political messaging (e.g., Christian symbols under Constantine) rather than denomination.
- Era-Specific Issues: Over time, reverse motifs evolved (e.g., from pagan to Christian imagery), but this affected all coins of the period, not just miliarense types.
Conclusion
The primary distinction between heavy and light miliarense was metallurgical and economic, not artistic. Their designs were typically uniform within the same issue, though variations occurred due to mint practices, emperor, or era, not denomination.
