A spectacular and extremely unusual architectural type
Licinius II, Caesar, 317-324. Follis (Bronze, 20 mm, 2.93 g, 12 h), Rome, circa 320. LICINIVS IVN NOB C Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Licinius II to right. Rev. [V]IRTV-S AVGG / P – R / [R] T Bird’s eye view of a camp gate with closed doors and four turrets. Ramskold, Les portes de camp (2018), p. 321, figs. 6A (this coin). RIC -. Apparently unique and with a spectacular and extremely unusual architectural type. Somewhat smoothed and the obverse a bit weak, otherwise, very fine.
This unique piece is certainly one of the most exceptional coins in the Ramskold Collection, showing a highly interesting camp gate on the reverse rendered in perspective. The type is of historical significance for showing how Romans struggled with depicting objects three-dimensionally. Only three coins with a 3D camp gate are known, from different dies and depicting the gate in different ways. One is in the Berlin Bode-Museum, the other two are in the Ramskold Collection and offered here. All three are for Licinius II, but that may be a coincidence.
From the collection of Dr. L. Ramskold, formed since 1969.
Leu Numismatik 2023, Lot 3138, Web Auction 25
Cgc 471, Pc 1054
