DELMATIUS, Caesar AD 335-337

AE4. 1.76g, 16.5mm MINTED: Aquileia mint, AD 335-337 REF: RIC VII Aquileia 142 (R5) OBVERSE: FL DELMATIVS NOB C, laureate draped and cuirassed bust right. REVERSE: GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, two soldiers holding spears and shields standing facing, heads turned towards one standard between them; AQS in exergue.

Notes:  Brown patina.  Slightly rough surfaces but fairly good details.  

Struck at Aquileia, a scarce mint for the type for Delmatius, and rated R5 in RIC for rarity.

Historical Notes: Delmatius, also known as Dalmatius, was appointed Caesar in 335 by his uncle, Constantine the Great, and given control of Thrace, Achaea and Macedonia. After Constantine's death in 337, a bloody purge of the extended imperial family was ordered, either by one of Constantine's sons (possibly Constantius II) or by all three (including Constantine II and Constans). Delmatius and his brother Hanniballianus, both holders of high offices awarded to them by Constantine, were probably the primary targets of the purge, but other members of their family and officers supporting them were also murdered.