Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, was the first Roman emperor to openly embrace Christianity. Born around 280 CE in Naissus, Moesia, he rose to power after claiming victory at the Milvian Bridge near Rome in 312 CE, reportedly inspired by a vision of a cross with the words "In this sign, conquer." He issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, granting tolerance to Christians and providing them with land and privileges. Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea to address theological disputes and opposed heresies like Donatism and Arianism. After defeating and executing Licinius, he became sole ruler and moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople in 324 CE. Despite his contributions to Christianity, Constantine's reign was marked by controversy, including the execution of his wife and eldest son in 326 CE. He refused pagan rites, never returning to Rome, and died on May 22, 337 CE, near Nicomedia, Bithynia. Constantine the Great ordered these coins to be minted to celebrate the founding of Constantinopolis, his new capital city on the Bosporus that would in turn become the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
The obverse is a depiction of the old city goddess bearing a resemblance to the goddess Minerva and the reverse shows the winged goddess Victory with her foot on the prow of a ship symbolizing the cities strategic maritime importance and commemorating a earlier naval victory against rival Licinius.
Grade ( XF) Extremely Fine - Certified Authentic , Graded and Encapsulated by NGC
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