Divus Constantine I ‘the Great’, AE Half Nummus, Antioch Mint, 337-340 AD

$90.00

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SKU: R1.4 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Imperial, Divus Constantine I ‘the Great’, 337-340 AD, AE Half Nummus (bronze, 1.85g, 14.1mm), Antioch Mint
Obv: [DV CONSTANTI]NVS PT AVGG; veiled and draped bust to right
Rev: Emperor, veiled, in quadriga to right, the hand of God above; SMANZ in exergue
Ref: RIC 39; LRBC 1372 Rarity/Choice: Scarc Officina Mark ‘Z’, VF (beautiful earthen patina)
Note: Constantine I died in AD 337. Following his death, he was deified, a common practice for Roman emperors who were honored posthumously. The coins minted in his honor were meant to reinforce his legacy and the divine approval of his reign. This coin reflects the political and religious propaganda of the time. By depicting Constantine in a divine context, it reinforced his status as a ruler chosen by the gods and his eternal presence and influence over the empire. Constantine the Great was a pivotal figure in Roman history, known for his military conquests, establishment of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as a new imperial capital, and endorsement of Christianity, which played a crucial role in its spread throughout the empire. On the reverse a hand reaches down from the heavens, which is interpreted as the “Hand of God” (Manus Dei). This hand is a divine symbol, indicating that Constantine is being received into heaven by divine intervention.