The Roman Empire
Constans, 337 – 350
Numismatic portraits of the three surviving sons of Constantine the Great as augusti naturally leave their portraits as young princes behind as they grow up (Constantine II showing an adolescent beard on some rare follis), but they do not follow the innovative portrait style set by their father as augustus (see above miliarense and solidus).They rather use two new impersonal portrait types which would dominate late Roman coinage far into the later Byzantian Empire.1) Late Roman side portraits such as below with diadem and/or pearls, first developed during the later part of the reign of their father, and,2) The typical frontal imperial portraits with helmet in gold, first used during the reign of Constantius II as augustus.Some Late Roman emperors still issue coins with limited individual features such as beards, or a peculiar shaped nose.
I will point out these increasingly rarer examples in this catalogue. Also, the imperial ladies continue to be represented with impressive hairstyles and jewellery, but with less and less individuality of their face. The position, title, and the attributes of power are now more important than the individual person. AMP. Siliqua, Thessalonica 337-340, AR 3.02 g. CONSTANS – P F AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed butst r. Rev. VICTORIA – D D N N AVGG Victory advancing l., holding wreath and palm-branch. C 156. RIC 154. Light iridescent tone and good extremely fine