Authentic Ancient Roman Coin Constans Follis Thessalonica GLORIA EXERCITVS SMTSΔ COA

Emperor: Constans
Denomination: AE Follis
Mint: Thessalonica
Date: AD 337–340
Reference: RIC VIII 57
Size: 17 mm
Weight: 1.05 g

Obverse:
CONSTANS P F AVG – “Constans, Dutiful and Fortunate Augustus.”
Laurel and rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constans right.

Reverse:
GLORIA EXERCITVS – “The Glory of the Army.”
Two soldiers standing facing each other, each holding spear and shield, with a single military standard between them.
Mintmark: SMTSΔ in exergue.

Description:
Struck at the Thessalonica mint shortly after Constans became Augustus, this follis belongs to the famous GLORIA EXERCITVS series celebrating the discipline, unity, and strength of the Roman legions. The reverse legend “Glory of the Army” paired with two soldiers sharing a single standard emphasized stability during the delicate power-sharing arrangement between Constantine’s sons following the death of Constantine the Great.

The mintmark SMTSΔ identifies the exact place and workshop of production:
• SM = Sacra Moneta (“Sacred Mint”)
• TS = Thessalonica mint (modern Salonica, Greece)
• Δ = Fourth officina (the fourth workshop striking coins at this mint)

This emission is noted as rare for the type, and the surviving silvering is highly desirable, as most examples of this late bronze series lost their surface treatment centuries ago.

Condition:
Extremely Fine, nicely silvered, rare for the type. Guaranteed authentic ancient Roman coin with COA.

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