Description
Constantine the Great, also known as Flavius Valerius Constantinus, was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He ruled from 306 to 337 AD, and his reign marked a significant period of transformation for the Roman Empire. Coins from Constantine’s reign typically feature distinct imagery, representing both his authority and his religious transformation.
Coins minted during his reign include:
- Solidus: A gold coin introduced by Constantine and became the standard gold coin of the Eastern Roman Empire for centuries.
- AE (Bronze) Coins: These were the most common everyday currency, and they often depicted Constantine on the obverse and various gods or personifications of victory, peace, and strength on the reverse.
Common features of Constantine’s coins:
- Obverse (Front): Constantine’s portrait, usually shown with a laurel wreath on his head, sometimes with a helmet or cuirass (armor), signifying his imperial authority. The inscriptions typically read “CONSTANTINVS AVG” or “FL VAL CONSTANTINVS.”
- Reverse (Back): Various symbolic imagery, such as a depiction of the Christian Chi-Rho (☧) symbol or the Labarum (the military standard with the Christian cross), Victory holding a wreath, or Constantine’s military victories.
For example, one of the most famous coins is the “Solidus of Constantine the Great”, which shows the emperor on the obverse and a depiction of the Labarum on the reverse. This coin was minted to commemorate Constantine’s military achievements and his role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire.
