Constantine I VLPP with awesome altar

[Victor]

This VLPP from London has an unusual altar. There is something on top of the altar...maybe flames? There is a centering dot above with another dot beside, perhaps part of the unusual altar topping. Compare with the last picture; which has a normal altar. Perhaps this is an early altar and the engraver was improvising a bit.

Constantine I
A.D. 319
18mm     3.3g
IMP CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG; laureate helmeted and cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield/ wreath inscribed VOT PR on decorated altar.
In ex. PLN
RIC VII London 154

[Heliodromus]

Interesting - never seen that variant before. I agree that it's probably meant to be flames.

Another minor variation is that on both those specimens the left victory is holding the shield with her right/lower hand, while more typically she's using that hand to inscribe the "VOT PR" legend.

[Victor]

I am more inclined to think that this coin is an unofficial example, though the obverse is in good style. With my picture, it's easy to see that the victories on the reverse have freakishly long, thin necks. I also have another unofficial example with similar victories, the one on the left in the second picture below reminds me of E.T.-- see my artistic rendition in the third pic.

[Heliodromus]

Hmm ... you could be right. Interesting how the lettering is so much better (not suspicious) on 1st coin, and so bad on 2nd, yet they share the ET necks !

It seems that normally unofficial coins lack detail rather than add it - they are kind of impressionist copies. The altar flames are odd in that they are added "correct" detail.

[Heliodromus]

Here's another with similar alien-esque victories, with both hands on shield.

[Victor]

it looks very similar, though the necks aren't as long and thin...I sure would like to believe the flame altar example was official.

[Victor]

I have flip-flopped and I am more confident that the flame altar coin is official. There are too many similar coins that are official (like the cgb coin above...thanks), including this example that has almost the exact same type thin necked victories...it looks like the same engraver. I attached the flame altar for comparison.

Constantine I
A.D. 319
17x18mm    3.0g
IMP CONSTANT-INVS AVG; high crested helmet and cuirassed bust left, spear over right shoulder.
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP; two Victories stg., facing one another, together holding shield inscribed VOT PR on altar.
In ex. PLN
RIC VII London 158; LMCC 9.01.008

[Heliodromus]

I agree - I'd be more surprised to find it's fake than official.

Could always test the silver content to check.

I have this one I bought from you that you'd had tested - 5.28% silver.

[Victor]

I had a few VLPP's tested while I was in grad school, but now don't have free access.

I'm delighted to say it is official; but in situations like this, I am always hesitant; but too many other coins look similar ...so, probably the same engraver with a slightly peculiar style.