Austria 20 Euro silver coin 2011 Aguntum Series: Rome on the Danube
Due to its proximity to the Italian border, Aguntum was one of the earliest Roman settlements in Austria. A thriving centre of commerce and trade founded around 30 BC, Aguntum flourished during the reign of Emperor Constantius II, who features on this elegant fourth addition to our Rome on the Danube series.
Constantius II’s profile dominates the obverse of the coin, which was designed by engraver Herbert Wähner. Cleverly highlighted against the Dolomites in the background are the remains of a gate located in the artisan quarter of Aguntum, a civilian settlement primarily concerned with trade and commerce situated near present day Lienz in the East Tyrol. Designed by Helmut Andexlinger, the reverse depicts a market scene in Aguntum. In the foreground a vendor offers some earthen vessels to a woman for purchase, while two passersby stroll past in the background, which also details part of the forum.
quality: proof
collection: Rome on the Danube
face value: 20 Euro
date of issue: 07.09.2011
coin design: Mag. Helmut Andexlinger / Herbert Wähner
diameter: 34.00 mm
alloy: Silver Ag 900
fine weight: 18.00 g
total weight: 20.00 g
The ruins of Aguntum are Roman site in East Tirol, Austria, located approximately 4 km east of Lienz in the Drau valley. The city appears to have been built to exploit the local sources of iron, copper, zinc and gold. During the early Christian era the city was the site of a bishopric, which, having ceased to be a residential diocese, is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see.
Constantius II (Latin: Flavius Julius Constantius Augustus; 7 August 317 – 3 November 361) was Roman Emperor from 337 to 361. The second son of Constantine I and Fausta, he ascended to the throne with his brothers Constantine II and Constans upon their father's death.
In 340, Constantius' brothers clashed over the western provinces of the empire. The resulting conflict left Constantine II dead and Constans as ruler of the west until he was overthrown and assassinated in 350 by the usurper Magnentius. Unwilling to accept Magnentius as co-ruler, Constantius defeated him at the battles of Mursa Major and Mons Seleucus. Magnentius committed suicide after the latter, leaving Constantius as sole ruler of the empire.
His subsequent military campaigns against Germanic tribes were successful: he defeated the Alamanni in 354 and campaigned across the Danube against the Quadi and Sarmatians in 357. In contrast, the war in the east against the Sassanids continued with mixed results.
In 351, due to the difficulty of managing the empire alone, Constantius elevated his cousin Constantius Gallus to the subordinate rank of Caesar, but had him executed three years later after receiving scathing reports of his violent and corrupt nature. Shortly thereafter, in 355, Constantius promoted his last surviving cousin, Gallus' younger half-brother, Julian, to the rank of Caesar.
However, Julian claimed the rank of Augustus in 360, leading to war between the two. Ultimately, no battle was fought as Constantius became ill and died late in 361, though not before naming his opponent as his successor.