A bronze coin issued by Constantine I, emperor 307 – 337 AD
Constantine was a successful emperor who united the Western and Eastern empires. He was a ruthless general and politician who didn’t shy away from murder and treachery when anyone stood in his way. Constantine’s decision to adopt Christianity was more political than spiritual; he also probably recognised the uniting influence a single state religion could have on the diverse population of the empire. He wasn’t actually baptised until he was on his deathbed, baptism washes away all prior sins and as it was too late to commit any more, he rose to heaven ‘pure’. The obverse has a portrait of Constantine and the legend just gives his name and title CONSTANTINVS AVG. . There is no agreement on what the reverse actually portrays; it may be a city gate, a military camp gate or a watchtower. Whatever it is it is intended to portray a sense of security. The lettering reads PROVIDENTIAE AVGG. Providentia is the personification of foreseeing and AVGG is plural as at the time Constantine was Western emperor with Licinius in the East. To a Roman it all meant “The foresight of the Emperors will keep the empire safe”. The SIS at the bottom is a mint mark for Siscia.
Size: 8745px × 4464px
Photo credit: © Loolee / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: Yes
Keywords: ancient, bronze, campgate, cash, coin, coinage, collectable, collector, constantine, currency, emperor, empire, imperial, legal, metal, mint, minted, money, precious, roman, silver, siscia, tender
