Roman Empire
Flavius Valerius Constantinus
Known as Constantine I the Great
Reigned: AD 306–337
Complete Coin Description
Denomination: Follis (AE3)
Material: Bronze
Mint: Antioch
Date: AD 330–337
Diameter: 17 mm
Weight: 2.18 g
Die axis: ~6h
Obverse
Legend: CONSTANTINOPOLIS
Helmeted and laureate bust of the personification of Constantinopolis facing left, wearing imperial mantle (paludamentum), holding a reversed spear resembling a sceptre.
Reverse
No legend.
Victory standing facing, head turned left, foot set on a ship’s prow; holding sceptre and resting her hand on a shield.
Exergue
SMANΔ?
(Sacra Moneta Antiochiae, officina Δ — probable).
The final officina letter is partially off-flan due to die misalignment; the surviving upper element suggests Δ more likely than A, though certainty is not possible.
Reference
RIC VII Antioch 95 (probable)
Possible range with uncertain officina: RIC VII Antioch 92–95.
Rarity (RIC Classification)
Common (C)
A standard commemorative issue struck in large quantities at multiple imperial mints.
Condition (Grade)
VF (Very Fine)
Major design elements and legends remain clear, with moderate circulation wear.
Patina
Artificial sandy patina of light beige tone, evenly applied and visually stable, enhancing surface contrast and relief.
Historical Note
Constantine I the Great was one of the most influential rulers of the Late Roman Empire. He legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan (AD 313) and initiated wide-ranging administrative and military reforms.
In AD 330 he formally founded Constantinople as the new imperial capital, marking a decisive shift of power to the Eastern Roman world. Commemorative coinage bearing the legend CONSTANTINOPOLIS was issued to celebrate this historic foundation and the emergence of a new imperial center.