Upon Constantine I's death in 337, his empire was divided among his three sons: Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans.

Constantius II initially controlled the eastern part of the empire, while Constantine II ruled the west and Constans took control of the central territories. However, the division soon led to tensions. In 340, Constantius II defeated his older brother Constantine II in battle, which led to Constantine II’s death. Constans, the youngest brother, was able to retain control of the western part of the empire until 350 when he was murdered, possibly by a usurper named Magnentius, and Constantius II became the sole ruler of the entire Roman Empire.

Constantine II, born on February 7, 316 CE in Arelate (modern Arles, France), was the eldest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta. Raised in a prominent imperial household, he was deeply influenced by his father's Christian faith and political ambitions. From an early age, he was groomed for leadership and declared Caesar in 317 CE, sharing in the responsibilities of governance and participating in military campaigns alongside his father.

When Constantine the Great died in 337 CE, the Roman Empire was divided among his three surviving sons. Constantine II was given control of the western provinces, including Britain, Gaul, and Hispania. His brothers, Constantius II and Constans, ruled the eastern and central regions, respectively. As the eldest son, Constantine II believed he had a superior claim to authority, which created tensions between him and his brothers.

During his reign, Constantine II sought to continue his father’s legacy, particularly in upholding Christianity within the empire. However, his tenure as emperor was marked by conflict, especially with Constans. Believing he was entitled to a larger share of the empire, Constantine II invaded Italy, which was under Constans’s jurisdiction. This campaign proved disastrous. In 340 CE, he was ambushed and killed near Aquileia by Constans’s forces, ending his reign after only three years.

Constantine II's legacy is tied to his role in the transition period of the Constantinian dynasty. His short reign highlighted the challenges of power-sharing among siblings in a dynastic empire. While his ambitions led to his downfall, he played a part in the broader narrative of the empire’s transformation into a Christian state, a process initiated by his father. His life serves as a reflection of the political complexities and familial rivalries that characterized the late Roman Empire.

While Constantine II's reign was brief and largely overshadowed by the achievements of his father and the actions of his brothers, there are a few notable aspects of his life and legacy:

Eldest Son of Constantine the Great: As the eldest legitimate son of Constantine the Great, Constantine II carried significant expectations. His position symbolized the continuation of his father's monumental reforms, including the establishment of Christianity as a central element of Roman imperial identity.

Youthful Leadership: Declared Caesar at the age of one, Constantine II grew up as part of a dynasty that redefined Roman leadership. He participated in military campaigns during his father’s reign, demonstrating his role in the empire's administration and defense.

Conflict with His Brothers: Constantine II's claim of seniority as the eldest son and his belief in his right to a larger portion of the empire led to the first major civil war among Constantine the Great’s heirs. His invasion of Italy to challenge Constans for control of additional territories was a pivotal moment in the Constantinian dynasty's internal strife.

Christian Legacy: Like his father, Constantine II supported Christianity and maintained its privileged position within the empire. Although his religious policies are less documented than those of his father or Constantius II, his rule contributed to the ongoing integration of Christianity into the Roman state.

Coins and Propaganda: The coinage issued during Constantine II’s reign is notable for its emphasis on his legitimacy and divine favor, with imagery and inscriptions reinforcing his claim as a rightful ruler. These coins remain an important source of historical evidence for his reign.

Early Death and Its Impact: His untimely death at the age of 24 in 340 CE eliminated one of the claimants to the empire and temporarily consolidated power under Constans. However, it also demonstrated the instability of a divided empire and the fragility of the Constantinian dynasty's power-sharing arrangement.

While Constantine II may not have achieved the enduring fame of his father, his life and actions illustrate the challenges faced by the successors of a transformative ruler like Constantine the Great. His ambition and tragic end highlight the volatility of imperial politics in late antiquity.

My late father was a deeply passionate numismatic throughout his life. He carefully built and treasured his coin collection over many years, and each piece was an important part of his interests and legacy. While all of his possessions hold great sentimental value to me, I do not share his enthusiasm for coins. After careful consideration, I believe these coins, which carry both historical significance and intrinsic value, would be better appreciated by someone who truly values their worth and beauty, rather than being stored away in my closet for none to see! Each coin listed here is from his private collection. 

Although I am not a numismatic expert, my father was, and his expertise guided the careful selection of each coin. Therefore, each coin is assumed authentic based on his knowledge and curation. The coins are sold "as-is", in the condition in which they were kept, and the buyer assumes full responsibility for verifying their authenticity. I hope they bring you the same joy they once brought him.