Constantine I ("the Great")

#8) Bronze Nummus of Constantine I ("the Great"), A.D. 307-337
Heraclea mint, A.D. 321-324
RIC 51
Obverse: IMP C VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG - Radiate bust, facing right.
Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI - Jupiter standing, nude except for chlamys over shoulder, leaning on eagle-tipped scepter and holding Victory on globe in right hand; eagle with wreath on ground in front, captive behind.
SMHA in exergue; star over IIM [lignate] in right field.
20 mm, 3.0 g.
$30

Of all Rome’s emperors, Constantine I, known today as Constantine the Great, may have had the greatest impact on Western civilization. He adopted Christianity as the “official” religion of the empire, ending centuries of persecution of Christians and allowing the Catholic Church to become a major political influence. His decision to move the capital of the Empire east to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople) allowed the Empire to continue for another 1,000 years after the collapse of Rome in the late 5th century.

Thanks for looking!

Return