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In early 4th century AD, leadership within the Roman Empire became a highly complicated affair, even by its own standards.
Upon his death in 306 AD, Constantius proclaimed that his son, Constantine (c. 272- 337 AD) replace him as western Augustus. Although supported by local troops, the eastern (and more senior) Augustus, Galerius, disagreed and tried to compromise: Severus II was named western Augustus, with Constantine as his Caesar. The new imperial management team didn’t last long, however, owing Galerius’ reaching into a far more dangerous area: the average Roman’s coin purse. Galerius decided to tax Rome’s citizens, who previously had enjoyed a tax-exempt status for centuries. The result was rebellion, as the Senate and Praetorian Guard promoted their own choice for the rightful Augustus, namely Maxentius, son of former Emperor Maximian. Galerius sent in his new western Augustus appointee to quell the rebellion, and in response, Maxentius enlisted help from his father. Severus tried to defeat the duo, but failed, and met his demise instead. Maximian then reached an agreement with Constantine that they both govern as co-Augusti. Solidifying the deal, Constantine married Maximian’s daughter Fausta. Such shifting, complicated power transitions threatened the Empire’s stability.
With things about to spiral out of control, former Emperor Diocletian came out of retirement in 308 AD to hold an imperial conference. He stripped the western Augusti of their titles, forcing Maximian to abdicate (again), and naming Constantine western Caesar (again); the new western Augustus was Licinius, who never before held the title of Caesar. Maxentius was declared an enemy of the state, and would in due course be dealt with by Constantine. Galerius, of course, retained power as Eastern Augustus, and named his nephew Maximinus II as Caesar. Neither Constantine nor Maximian were satisfied with the titles, and essentially ignored any diminishment.
Civil war raged for the next several years, and reached a climax in 312 AD when Constantine besieged Maxentius holed up in Rome. On the fateful battle-day, Constantine’s forces brandished a new image, the labarum, a symbol of crucifixion displaying the characters Chi and Rho above a cross. Reportedly, the idea came to Constantine the night before in a heavenly dream. Despite having inferior numbers, Constantine managed to defeat and kill Maxentius after an epic confrontation. Afterwards, Constantine entered Rome amongst much jubilation, summarily expunged all images of Maxentius, and began promoting himself as the city’s liberator from tyranny.
In the meantime, Galerius died, resulting in Maximinus’ advancement to Augustus (although in actuality he already had assumed the promotion for a year, following the lead of his troops). Licinius forged an alliance with Constantine, putting Maximinus at a strategic disadvantage, especially after the demise of Maxentius as a potential ally. In response, Maximinus went on the offensive against Licinius, and was eventually defeated and removed from the imperial scene.
Any hope of a continued Tetrarchy faded away, and the number of Augusti of the Roman Empire was reduced to two: Constantine and Licinius. The two spent years sparring, diplomatically and militarily. As part of their negotiations, Licinius agreed with Constantine to officially grant full tolerance to Christianity and all religions in the Empire, and he married Constantine's half-sister Constantia. In addition, it was agreed that Constantine’s sons Crispus and Constantine II as well as Licinius’ son Licinius II were all made Caesars.
This coin, a billon nummus, was minted while Constantine was co-Augustus: hence, on the obverse he is now CONSTANTINVS AVG. On the verso is a globe on an altar, with the inscription BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, or “peaceful tranquility.” This type has become known as the
beata tranquillitas coinage, and was produced for a relatively short period (around 320 AD) and only at a few western mints. The design has a decidedly Christian flair. (For comparison, the verso of the previous coin in this NGC Ancients Custom Set - struck while Constantine was still Caesar - exhibits a classic Roman depiction of Genius).
Neither peace nor tranquility was in store for the Roman Empire, as the rivalry between Constantine and Licinius fueled yet another devastating civil war.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantine I, AD 307-337, AE3 (2.60g), Struck in Lugdunum (Lyon) in 315-316/321-322 AD, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Bust facing right, laureate, wearing a cuirass, CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, Reverse: Globe on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX in three lines, above, three stars, BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, Reference: RIC VII, 153 (or perhaps 199).