Owner Comments:
Constantine the Great established Constantinople as the capitol of the Eastern half of the Empire. He also started a new denomination of gold coinage for the empire, the solidus, which maintained its almost pure gold fineness and weight around 4.5 grams for almost 700 years. This coin was struck in Antiochia in 335-336. It weighs 4.51 grams. This example is the heaviest one I can find including the two in the ANA collection and the British Museum one, all 4.45-4.46 grams.
This coin records Constantine’s 30th anniversary (tricennalia). In his final ‘portrait’ type his hair is now shown longer, a fashion possibly inspired by Alexander the Great.
CONSTANTI – NVS MAX AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VICTORIA CO – NSTANTINI AVG Victory advancing l., holding trophy with r. hand and palm frond with l.; in r. field, VOT/ XXX in two lines. In exergue, SMAN.
C 604. Alföldi 572. RIC 96. Depeyrot 46/1. Good extremely fine
From the Collection of a Mentor.