Constantine I unofficial campgate struck over Licinius IOVI from Cyzicus

[Victor]

 

Constantine I, 307/310-337. Follis (Bronze, 21 mm, 2.9g ), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Arelate. Irregular mint, after 324. CONSTAN-TINVS A[VG] Laureate head of Constantine I to right. Rev. [PRO]VIDEN-TIAE CAESS / [...]✱AR Campgate with open doors and two turrets; above, star. Cf. RIC 264 (for prototype).

This unofficial issue pairs a Constantine I obverse with a Caesar reverse. It was struck over a Cyzikus IOVI coin, RIC VII 15. The original legend C VAL LICIN LICI remains visible on the obverse, along with part of a radiate head; on the reverse, IOVI CON_ and the mint mark SMK_ are discernible.

The Licinius coin had been withdrawn from circulation in Constantine's territory. By overstriking it with a western type, the irregular mint allowed it to re-enter circulation.

[Heliodromus]

The mintmark of the undertype looks like SMKA, not just SMK, which would mean it's one of Licinius's 12 1/2 DC types, so I think the opportunity here was just transforming one denomination into a more valuable one!

[Victor]

The mintmark of the undertype looks like SMKA, not just SMK

Yes, the last letter is not completely clear, which is why I have SMK_ , with a line for the unknown. I should have had it like SMK[?]...but also note "Cyzikus IOVI coin, RIC VII 15"