Constantine I ‘the Great’, AE Follis, AE Constantinople, 328 AD

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Description

Roman Imperial, Constantine I ‘the Great’, 307-337 AD AE Follis (bronze, 2.44g, 18.3mm), AE Constantinople, 328 AD
Obv: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG; rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I to right
Rev: CONSTANTINIANA DAFNE; Victory seated to left on cippus, head to right, holding palm branch in each hand, spurning captive at feet; trophy behind, Z in left field; CONS in exergue
Ref:  RIC VII 35 Rarity/Choice: Common, Good
Note: Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, was the Roman Emperor who reigned from AD 306 to 337. His reign marked a significant era in Roman history, particularly known for the establishment of Constantinople and the spread of Christianity. Constantine’s rule extended over a vast portion of the Roman Empire, including the Eastern and Western provinces. He is credited with stabilizing the empire during a period of internal conflict and external threats. The obverse features a rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantine I facing right. The diadem signifies his imperial authority, while the drapery and cuirass symbolize his role as both a ruler and a military leader. Various theories have been put forward to explain the meaning of the reverse type seen here, some with more merit than others. Speck and Huston note in their study ‘Constantine’s Dafne Coinage at Constantinople’ (San Francisco, 1992) that McGregor had a convincing argument in his 1984 paper ‘Constantiniana Dafne – a different point of view’ (Journal of the Society for Ancient Numismatics, 1984) for the type to be marking the seismic shift that was taking place in respect of Constantine’s religious beliefs: “McGregor set out the religious significance of this reverse type–portraying Constantine as Dafne, turning away from the symbols of the pagan religion (Apollo and Sol) toward the palm, symbol of Christianity. It is the first obviously Christian coinage design ever issued at a Roman mint. Its significance at this mint at this time can hardly be misinterpreted–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 capitol.”
However, another convincing position in the debate is that the word ‘dafne’, meaning ‘laurel’ in ancient Greek and so, by metonymy, ‘victory’, was intended to give this reverse an altogether different meaning as the legend would state ‘Constantinian Victory!’. This would have been in celebration of Constantine’s recent victory over Licinius, ending the civil war and thus cementing his position as sole ruler of the empire. As the victorious party, it wouldn’t be unreasonable of him to promote the new capital city he was building in his name, while also making comment on the other victory already noted above – the victory of Christianity over paganism.

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