City Commemorative AE Follis, 2.44 grams, 18.07 mm. 
Cyzicus. 
335-336 AD. 

Obv: CONSTAN-TINOPOLI, pearl-diademed, helmeted bust 
of Constantinopolis left wearing imperial mantle, 
sceptre over shoulder.
Rev: no legend, Victory standing facing on prow, head 
left, holding transverse sceptre and resting left 
hand on upright shield, mintmark star-SMKB in ex.

RIC VII Cyzicus 121; cf Sear 3890. Rated R5. 
A coin of exceptional rarity. 

Note that the pearl diadem is not a diadem proper, but 
the result of the Cyzicus technique of engraving 
laurel wreaths, i.e. the laurel leaves are very short 
and resemble pearls.

Used with permission of TimeLine Originals (www.time-lines.co.uk)
July 2009