D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOT V - MVLT X - CAESS - TSE , in four lines within wreath. 19mm, 1.96 grams. Thessalonica mint. RIC VII 36.

With traces of the original silvering.

Crispus (Flavius Julius Crispus) was the eldest son of Constantine the Great, born around circa 303 AD, likely to Constantine’s first wife or concubine, Minervina. Crispus was given a strong education, reportedly under the famous Christian scholar Lactantius, and was appointed Caesar (junior emperor) in 317 AD at a young age, helping govern parts of the empire. Crispus gained significant military acclaim, especially for his naval victories during Constantine’s civil war against Licinius, particularly the Battle of the Hellespont (324 AD). His leadership and success made him popular with both the military and the public.

However, in 326 AD, Crispus was suddenly arrested and executed on the orders of his father, Constantine, under mysterious circumstances. Ancient sources suggest he may have been falsely accused of adultery with his stepmother Fausta, Constantine’s second wife. Soon afterward, Fausta herself was killed - possibly in a heated bath - leading many historians to believe a palace intrigue or tragic misunderstanding caused the deaths. Crispus's legacy was later rehabilitated to some extent, and he remains one of the most enigmatic figures of Constantine’s reign—a capable heir whose promising future was cut short by scandal and imperial politics.

SKU X10458-55535