Collecting the Coins of Constantine II AD 316–340 · Son of Constantine the Great · Rome's Young Western Emperor
Collecting the Coins of Constantine II
AD 316–340 · Son of Constantine the Great · Rome's Young Western Emperor
Constantine II is one of the most overlooked emperors in Roman numismatics — and one of the best values for collectors building a Constantinian dynasty set.
Born directly into imperial power in AD 316, elevated to Caesar as a child, and killed in civil war against his own brother at around twenty-four, his life tells the story of the dangerous transition between the age of Constantine the Great and the fratricidal conflicts that followed. His coins are historically important, widely available, affordable, and often beautifully struck — a gateway into one of the most transformative eras in Roman history.
A Prince Born Into Empire
Constantine II was born in AD 316, likely in Arelate (modern Arles), during the early years of his father's rise to supreme power. He was raised during one of the most transformative periods in Roman history: Christianity expanding rapidly, civil wars reshaping the empire, Constantinople rising as a new imperial capital, and the imperial court becoming increasingly ceremonial and dynastic. In AD 317, while still a child, he was elevated to the rank of Caesar — officially making him heir to imperial authority.
Throughout his youth, Constantine II appeared prominently on imperial coinage. This was deliberate propaganda: coins served as political messaging, declarations of legitimacy, and reminders of dynastic continuity. As Caesar, he nominally governed Gaul, Britain, and Hispania, earned military prestige fighting Germanic tribes along the Rhine, and was continuously associated with imperial legitimacy through official portrait issues. Even as a teenager, his face circulated across the Roman world on bronze coinage.
When Constantine the Great died in AD 337, violence erupted almost immediately — a dynastic purge claimed several relatives and possible rivals. After the chaos settled, the three surviving brothers divided the empire. Constantine II received the western provinces: Britain, Gaul, and Hispania.
The Fall of Constantine II
Constantine II held seniority among the brothers due to his age — but believed he deserved even greater authority, particularly over the territories assigned to his younger brother Constans. Tensions escalated into open conflict. In AD 340, Constantine II invaded Italy in an attempt to overthrow Constans and consolidate the western empire under his sole control. The campaign ended disastrously. Near Aquileia, he was ambushed and killed during the fighting, likely at only twenty-four years old. His reign as Augustus had lasted barely three years. Constans absorbed his territories.
Constantine II is often overshadowed by his father's legend and his brothers' longer reigns — but his life represents an important transitional moment: the rise of dynastic succession replacing earlier Roman traditions, imperial family politics becoming increasingly lethal, and the fragmentation of Constantine's legacy foreshadowing the repeated civil wars that would weaken the later empire.
The Coinage of Constantine II
Most collectors encounter Constantine II through bronze issues struck both as Caesar under his father and as Augustus during his brief independent reign. Because enormous quantities of 4th century bronze coinage were produced, attractive examples remain accessible at very reasonable prices.
Mints of Constantine II
Constantine II's coins were struck across the full network of late Roman imperial mints — each developing its own portrait character and mintmark conventions. Collecting by mint is one of the most rewarding specialist approaches in Constantinian numismatics.
Why Collect Constantine II
Hold what the greats held.
Browse Coins of Constantine II at Kinzer Coins
Authentic late Roman bronze from the Constantinian dynasty — historically important, beautifully struck, and still surprisingly affordable.
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