The Answer!

This is the coin. Reference RM4301 in the September edition of Spink's Numismatic Circular. Actually BEAT TRANQLITAS rather than BEATA TRANQVILLITAS and should come after 267 in RIC and after 355 in my new list for this period. The coin is to be expected and fits neatly into this series. These BEAT TRANQLITAS and BEATA TRANQVILLITAS can be quite confusing because of the number of minor varieties and the sometimes loose interpretations of the bust types by the engravers.

A Surprising New London Mint Coin!

Well, the coin itself is not so surprising but more the means by which I discovered it! My copy of the September issue of Spink's Numismatic Circular arrived through the mail today. As well as my new London Mint article, it contained several London coins for sale. I skimmed through them and one caught my eye. Unlisted in RIC and not in my new list that was published only a few pages before!

So as not to spoil the fun immediately, I will leave it a few days before explaining all and illustrating the coin. No prizes for spotting which one it is, but don't bother ringing Spink as it was already sold when I made my telephone call!

A New Coin of Constantine II

Constantine II 

Ob.  CONSTANTINVS IVN N C     Laureate, draped bust seen from behind.
Rev. PRINCIPIA IVVENTVTIS        Prince standing right, leaning on reversed spear, hand resting on shield.

London Mint - crescent in left field, PLN in exergue.
RIC --, Toone (prelim.) --.
After RIC 136, after Toone (prelim) 182.

This obverse legend is unpublished and unlisted for PRINCIPIA for this crescent issue. It is, however, known for the corresponding CLARITAS and SOLI types, so is to be expected.

The London Mint AD 319-325 - A Preliminary Listing

I have just finished proof reading this article and it will now be published in the September issue of Spink's Numismatic Circular. The previous article covering the period AD 313-318 was published in the October 2008 issue that is available in electronic form here. Incidentally, this issue also includes an article by Malcolm Lyne on the "Earliest Coinage of Carausius".

A Dedicated Blog for Moneta Britannia

While the Moneta Britannia website is under construction, I have set up a dedicated blog for the conference. The link is contained within the title of this post and in the panel on the right side bar. Do subscribe so that you get regular updates. This blog can now return to its London Mint focus. I would, however, just like to point out that I am most grateful to the UK Numismatic Trust for agreeing to provide funding for the conference.