Description

City Commemorative AD 330–333 Æ Nummus – VRBS ROMA, She-Wolf and Twins, NGC VF

A historically significant Late Roman bronze City Commemorative nummus, struck during the reign of Constantine the Great and his sons, circa AD 330–333.

The coin features one of the most recognisable designs in Roman numismatics: the legendary she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, representing the traditional founding of Rome.

Coin Details

• Empire: Roman Empire
• Issue: City Commemorative
• Date: AD 330–333
• Denomination: Æ 3/4 BI Nummus
• Obverse: VRBS ROMA – helmeted and mantled Roma facing left
• Reverse: She-wolf standing left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus; two stars above
• Theme: Founding of Rome / personification of Rome
• Grade: NGC VF (Very Fine)
• Metal: Bronze / billon
• Period: Late Roman Empire

Historical Background

The City Commemorative series was introduced around AD 330 in connection with the dedication of Constantinople as the new imperial capital. Coins were produced representing the great cities of the Roman world, including Rome and Constantinople.

The reverse depicting the she-wolf and twins refers to the ancient foundation legend of Rome. According to Roman tradition, the abandoned twins Romulus and Remus were rescued and suckled by a she-wolf before eventually becoming associated with the founding of Rome.

The issue therefore combines the mythology of Rome with the changing political landscape of the fourth-century Roman Empire.

The obverse normally depicts Roma, the personification of the city, wearing a helmet and imperial-style attire. Together, the two sides make this an especially appealing type for collectors interested in Roman history and the mythology surrounding the foundation of Rome.

Condition

This example has been professionally authenticated and graded VF (Very Fine) by NGC, providing an independent assessment of the coin’s authenticity and condition.

The coin exhibits the expected signs of age and circulation associated with an ancient bronze coin, while retaining the important design elements of the City Commemorative type.

Collector Appeal

The VRBS ROMA she-wolf and twins type is one of the most iconic designs of Late Roman coinage. Its connection with the legendary founding of Rome makes it particularly desirable to collectors of Roman coins, ancient history and classical mythology.

A professionally graded NGC VF example offers an excellent opportunity to add an authenticated piece of fourth-century Roman history to a collection.

A fascinating ancient Roman coin commemorating one of the most enduring symbols of Rome — the she-wolf and the legendary twins Romulus and Remus.

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