EMPIRE, GOLD SOLIDUS OF CRISPUS, Ticinum, ca. 320-321, 4.308g, 6h. RIC 103. NAC 27 lot 513 (same dies). Extremely rare. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Perfectly centered and struck. A coin of exceptional beauty, with a superb heroic portrait of this promising young Caesar. A masterpiece of Roman art. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc. From a distinguished Belgian collection Eldest son of Constantine, the young Crispus became Caesar in 317, together with his brother and the son of Licinius, as a sign of apparent unity. He secured the continued Roman presence in the areas of Gaul and Germania. The soldiers adored him due to his strategic abilities and the victories to which he had led the Roman legions. Here's why Crispus is presented predominantly as great warrior in his numismatic iconography, and a number of military effigies were used for him... the most important one is that used on this coin, which shows him from behind in heroic nudity; the artistry fully reflects the return to old Hellenistic styles at that time.