Third known Alexandrian Follis of Constantius as Caesar with the legends "FLA VA"

[GordianAppreciator101]

Hello everyone! I was taking pictures of some of the coins in my collection and I noticed I hadn't shared this one here before so I might as well do it now. it's a very interesting type, as the title states the third known of this type (which in its normal "FL VAL" form is already quite rare). It's the only one in private hands too, which is something cool to think about. The other two are in possession of the Vienna museum (Example here) and although they are in a much better condition it's easy to see they're one and the same. This type has been published by Jay Dharmadhikari, with the article being linked here in case anyone wants to check it out. As a random group lot find from a budget auction I don't think I'm going to be able to ever top it, but I do hope I'm wrong.

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

It's always nice to score a rare coin! The reverse is also a neat type.

[CPK]

Very cool! I have the normal type with FL VAL.

[maridvnvm]

Nice,

I did own this odd variation a few years back...

Obv:– FAL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, Laureate bust right
Rev:– GENIO POPV - L - I ROMANI, Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia
Minted in Alexandria (Γ in right field, ALE in exe.) in A.D. 294
References:– RIC VI Alexandria 15a note. (FAL VAL legend variety noted in the Vienna collection)

[GordianAppreciator101]

15 hours ago, maridvnvm said:

Nice,

I did own this odd variation a few years back...

Obv:– FAL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES, Laureate bust right
Rev:– GENIO POPV - L - I ROMANI, Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia
Minted in Alexandria (Γ in right field, ALE in exe.) in A.D. 294
References:– RIC VI Alexandria 15a note. (FAL VAL legend variety noted in the Vienna collection)

Apparently the Alexandrian engravers were having trouble with Constantius' Praenomen 😄. At least FLA VA is technically correct, but FAL VAL on the other hand...

[Heliodromus]

Maybe the engraver had FALernian wine on/in his mind 😀

Quote

Falernian was a white wine with a relatively high alcohol content, possibly 30 proof, or 15% ABV. In describing Faustian Falernian, Pliny the Elder alluded to this as he noted "It is the only wine that takes light when a flame is applied to it".^[5] A flaming drink requires an ABV of at least 40% (typically >50%) which cannot be achieved by fermentation alone, likely requiring distillation.

 

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Very interesting coin. Thanks for sharing it. I wouldn't mind trying the Falernian @Heliodromus. I had some famega, a sweet and slightly carbonated Portugese light wine last night. 

Edited November 4, 2024 by Ancient Coin Hunter