Constantine I, AE Follis, Dafne coinage, Constantinople Mint, 1st officina, 2nd emission, 327 AD

$570.00

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SKU: R2.18 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Imperial, Constantine I, AE Follis (bronze, 2.52g, 19.6mm), Dafne coinage, Constantinople Mint, 1st officina, 2nd emission, 327 AD
Obv: CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG; laurel and rosette-diademed head right, eyes to God
Rev: CONSTANTINI ANA DAFNE; Victory seated left on cippus, head right, holding branch in each hand; to left, bound captive seated left, head right, trophy at base, Ī” to left
Ref: RIC VII 32B; LRBC 992 Rarity/Choice: Scarce, Superb EF (one of the nicest and most expressive known examples for this type)
Note: Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, was a pivotal figure in Roman history, notable for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. His reign saw significant changes, including the establishment of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire and the promotion of the Christian faith. This coin is one of the earliest obviously Christian coinage designs ever issued at a Roman mint. Its significance at this mint at this time can hardly be misinterpretedĀ  “Constantine is announcing to his new city that it is to be a Christian city. The message is local and specific, and it is the only message he presents on the coinage during the entire period of its construction as the new Christian capital”. The Follis of Constantine I from the Constantinople mint is a significant artifact that reflects the emperor’s military achievements, divine favor, and the broader changes occurring in the Roman Empire during his reign. The obverse, with Constantine’s diademed bust looking upward, symbolizes his connection to the divine. The reverse, featuring Victory with a bound captive, underscores his military success and the establishment of peace and order. This coin not only facilitated economic transactions but also served as a medium for conveying Constantine’s authority and the stability of his rule to the people of the Roman Empire. – Obverse Details. Inscription: “CONSTANTI NVS MAX AVG” stands for “Constantinus Maximus Augustus,” which translates to “Constantine the Great Augustus.” This title emphasizes Constantineā€™s supreme position and status.
Depiction: The obverse features a laurel and rosette-diademed head of Constantine facing right, with his eyes looking upward (“eyes to God”), symbolizing his divine favor and connection with the Christian God. – Reverse Details: Inscription: “CONSTANTINI ANA DAFNE” refers to the coinage from the Constantinople mint associated with the celebration or depiction of Dafne. Dafne was often depicted in connection with victory and triumph.
Depiction: The reverse shows Victory, the goddess who personifies success and triumph, seated left on a cippus (a small column or pedestal), looking right. She holds a branch in each hand, symbolizing peace and victory. To the left of Victory, there is a bound captive seated left at the base of a trophy, with his head turned right. This imagery emphasizes Constantine’s military victories and the subjugation of his enemies.