2019-07-25 Thu

Constantius I, the Caesar and a Roman Emperor died today on 25 July 306. Commonly known as Constantius Chlorus, he was the father of Constantine the Great and the founder of the Constantinian Dynasty. Constantius had a distinguished military career. Like Caesar, he defeated the usurper Allectus in Britain and campaigned extensively. Upon becoming Augustus in 305, Constantius launched a successful punitive campaign against the Picts beyond the Antonine Wall.

In 289 he left his wife, Helena, mother of Constantine, and married Theodora, the stepdaughter of the emperor Maximian; with Theodora, he had three children, Dalmatius, Constantius, and Constantia.

The above shown silver Argenteus was issued under his reign from Serdica mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the laureate head of Constantius I right. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin has a camp gate with an open doorway, surmounted by three beacons.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions