Flavius Claudius Constantine, otherwise known as Constantine II was the son of Constantine the Great. Born around 316 CE, Constantine II was thrust into military life and governance at an early age. When just one year old he was officially declared Caesar along with his half-brothers Crispus and Licinius II. He held the position for two decades, serving as consul four times. This gold solidus features an inscribed wreath on the reverse celebrating Constantine II’s long tenure as Caesar with the inscription VOTIS XX [Paying vows for 20 years] and hoping for 30 more [MVLTIS XXX]. This inscription indicates that the coin must have been issued around 336-7 CE. Known as votas, these coins celebrate every five or ten years of a ruler’s tenure. The mint mark SIS* in the exergue indicates that this coin was minted in Siscia, now in modern Croatia. Unfortunately, Constantine II was unable to fulfill the coin’s prayer. Constantine II became dissatisfied with the poor western provinces he governed and looked covetously to the eastern and African provinces of his brothers. In 340 CE he initiated an unsuccessful civil war against his younger brother Constans. Constantine II was killed in battle near Aquileia, situated in Northern Italy, when he was just twenty-four years old. John Thilgten 2011