★ Rare ★

Constantine I, AD 310-337. AR, Siliqua. 3.11 g. 19.53 mm.

Constantinopolis.
Obv: Head of Constantine I, rosette-diademed, right.
The portrait with a rosette diadem symbolizes the imperial dignity and divine stature of the emperor. The finely engraved bust highlights Constantine’s pivotal role as the founder of the new capital, Constantinople, and as the first Christian emperor.

Rev: CONSTANTINVS AVG, CONS. Victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand.
Victory, the winged goddess, advances to the left. In her right hand she holds a wreath, and in her left, a palm branch – both classical symbols of triumph.

Under Constantine I, Roman coinage began to convey stronger ideological messages. The depiction of Victory is a prime example: despite the rise of Christianity, traditional pagan symbolism remained present, yet it was increasingly interpreted as divine legitimization of the emperor’s authority.

This siliqua is rare, especially in this state of preservation. It was struck during a formative period in Roman history – marked by the establishment of Christianity, the foundation of Constantinople (in AD 330) as the new capital, and the transformation of the empire from pagan to Christian, making it of exceptional historical importance.

Ref: RIC 5; Cohen 97.
Good Very Fine.
Rare.