Roman Bronze AE: Constantine II, Son of Constantine the Great, London Mint (NGC F)

This authentic Roman bronze AE was struck for Constantine II (AD 316–340), the eldest son of Constantine the Great and his second wife, Fausta. Born into imperial power, Constantine II entered the world as porphyrogenitus — “born in the purple” — meaning his father already ruled as Augustus. From childhood, he was raised not as a contender, but as a destined ruler of Rome.

Elevated to Caesar while still a boy, Constantine II grew up surrounded by court ceremony, military pageantry, and the enormous shadow of his father’s legacy. After Constantine the Great’s death in AD 337, the empire was divided among his sons. Constantine II received control of the western provinces, including Britain and Gaul. Yet ambition and rivalry soon followed. In AD 340, while attempting to seize territory from his brother Constans, Constantine II was killed in battle — a dramatic and abrupt end to a life that began in imperial luxury.

Struck at the historic London mint, this bronze issue represents the western reach of Roman authority and the early years of a dynasty attempting to hold together Constantine’s transformed Christian empire.

Certified by NGC and graded Fine (F), this coin preserves the portrait and imperial symbolism of a ruler born to command — but ultimately undone by dynastic conflict.

A compelling artifact from the Constantinian dynasty — a piece of history you can still hold.