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Image search results - "Constantine,"
image00327.jpg
Heraclius & Heraclius Constantine overstruck on Phocas & Leontia . 610-641 / 602-610. Æ follis (26.89 mm, 8.78 g, 6 h). Host coin, Theopolis (Antioch) mint, 602-610 / after 610. overstrike, Thessalonica mint. Overstrike: fragmentary, d N hЄRA[CLIЧS PP AVG] Host coin, also fragmentary, [O N FOCA] NЄ PЄ [AV] , Overstrike: Heraclius (on left, and Heraclius constantine, barely visible on right) standing facing, each holding globus cruciger, cross between their heads Host coin: Phocas on left and Leontia standing facing; Emperor holds globus cruciger, Empress holds cruciform scepter; cross between their heads / Overstrike, large M between A / N / N / O and date (not struck-up), cross above, B below, ΘЄC in exergue Host coin, large m between [A / N /] N / O and date (unclear) cross above, ThЄЧP' in exergue. Host coin, Cf. SBCV 671; Overstrike, Cf. SBCV 824. VF for type, dark green patina on devices, lighter encrustation on fields - overstrike at ~ 90º ccw.

multiply struck: host coin is Phocas & Leontia from Antioch, SBCV 671 or similar overstrike, at ~ 90º ccw, is Heraclius from Thessalonica
Quant.Geek
constantine19.jpg
Constantine, AE Follis, RIC VII 19 Rome, 303-337 CE.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI, Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding globe and raising right hand.
R-F across fields.
Mintmark R star S.

RIC VII Rome 19.
NORMAN K
Crispus_AE.JPG
Crispus, son of Constantine, Caesar 317-326 AD. Trier
Crispus AE3. 317-326 AD. IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear & shield / BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, globe on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX, 3 stars above, STR in ex. RIC VII 308,S
Antonivs Protti
hand2s.jpg
Divus Constantine I, Posthumous commemorative AE4, 337-341 CEObverse: DN CONSTANTI-NVS PT AVGG, veiled head right.
Reverse: No legend, the deified Constantine driving quadriga right, hand of god reaching down from above, star at upper left.
SMANS in ex. Antioch mint, 2nd officina. RIV VIII 37, 16.6 mm, 1.4 g.

It is ironic that Constantine, who tradition tells us was the first Christian emperor (although he only actually became one on his death bed), should have been honored with pagan deification and commemorated posthumously with traditional pagan symbolism as found on this coin. He was the last emperor to be so honored.
NORMAN K
constantine i follis (3).jpg
ROME. Constantine I. AD 307/310-337
Æ Follis (18mm, 3.46 g, 11 h)
Treveri (Trier) mint, 1st officina. Struck spring AD 317.
IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Laureate and cuirassed bust right
SOLI INVICTO COMITI
Sol standing left, extending arm and holding globe; T-F//BTR
RIC VII 97
1 commentsArdatirion
leo_v.jpg
(0813) LEO V (The Armenian)813-820 AD
AE Follis 17 mm X 20 mm 3.01 g
O: Facing bust of Leo with a short beard, wearing a crown and loros and holding cross potent
R: Facing bust of Constantine, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys and holding globus cruciger.
Syracuse mint, Sear Byzantine 1636



2 commentslaney
2Pdwc7jEspK64DozHPy5Q3RmZFg8a9.jpg
(610-641) Heraclius [Sear 811]Heraclius 610-641 AD
AE Follis (4.71 gm ; 22 mm)
Constantinople Mint
Obv: No Legend. Heraclius (center)� in military dress with long beard and mustache, Heraclius Constantine, and Heraclonas, all standing facing.
Rev: Large M between ANNO and numeric regnal year,� B (officina 2)� below; CONE in exergue
B*Numis
_T2eC16J,!)!FIcVeTMb)BSJhtPOzsw~~60_12.JPG
(613-632) Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine [Sear 886]Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, AE Decanummium, Catania mint. No legend, Heraclius, bearded on left and Heraclius Constantine, unbearded on right, crowned, draped and cuirassed busts facing, cross between their heads / Large I, ANNO to left, regnal year to right, mintmark CAT. SB 886, MIB 241.B*Numis
Cons.jpg
(Deceased) Constantine I MagnusFuneral issue of Constantine I (347-348 CE)
Veiled head of Constantine, right/Constantine standing right, wearing toga and veil. Legend: Veneranda Memoria.
Minted in Constantinople.
AE
Belisarius
005_Tiberius_Constantine.JPG
005. Tiberius Constantine, 578-582. AE 40 Nummi.Obv. Bust of Tiberius Constantine
Rev. Large M, CON below ANNO II to sides
Constantinople Mint, 580.
SB 430.
LordBest
05-Constantine-Ale-12.jpg
05. Constantine: Alexandria.AE 4, 337 - 341, Alexandria mint.
Obverse: DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG / Veiled bust of Constantine.
Reverse: Constantine riding to heaven in quadriga; Hand of God reaches down to him.
Mint mark: ALB
1.05 gm., 15 mm.
RIC #12 var.; LRBC #1454 var.; Sear #17490var.

That this coin is from the mint in Alexandria is beyond doubt. However the mint mark without SM does not seem to be listed in RIC or LRBC.
2 commentsCallimachus
06-Constantine-Nic-57.jpg
06. Constantine: Nicomedia.AE 4, 347 - 348, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG / Veiled bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VN MR / Constantine standing, veiled.
Mint mark: SMNI .
.96 gm., 14 mm.
RIC #57; LRBC #1155; Sear #17469.

VN MR stands for Venerabilis Memoria (Revered Memory).
RIC dates this coin 347 - 348, which was the 10'th anniversary of Constantine's death. LRBC, however, dates it to 341 - 346.

Callimachus
07-Constantine-brockage.jpg
07. Constantine: brockage.AE 4, 337-348.
Obverse: DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG / Veiled bust of Constantine.
Reverse: (incuse impression of the obverse side.)
1.41 gm., 14 mm.

A brockage is a coin that has a reverse showing an incuse impression of the obverse side. A brockage is created when a newly minted coin sticks to the reverse die, causing the next coin to be struck to have an incuse impression of the obverse of the stuck coin instead of an impression of the reverse die.
Callimachus
LarryW1915.jpg
0805 Heraclius, 610-641Æ follis, 31mm, 11.56g, F
Struck 613-614 at Constantinople, officina Δ
DD NN HERACLIUS ET HERA CONST PP A, Heraclius, bearded at left, and Heraclius Constantine, at right, both standing facing wearing crown and chlamys and holding globus cruciger, cross between their heads / Large M between ANNO and numeric regnal year, cross above and officina below.
Overstrike: a follis of Phocas with a portion of the obverse legend still present at 10 o'clock on the obv.
Ex: Glenn W. Woods
Sear 805; MIB 159
Lawrence W
normal_maxentiusz~0.jpg
081a. MaxentiusSon of Maximianus. Along with Constantine, passed over for rank of Caesar when Diocletian and Maximianus abdicated. Proclaimed emperor by soldiers in Rome in 306. Galerius refused to recognize this. Severus marched on Rome, but was defeated by Maxentius. Maxentius later defeated Galerius. Lost battle of Milvian Bridge to Constantine in 312, and drowned while trying to escape.

Coin: AE2. 25mm, 5.07 g. Aquileia. Obv: IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG, laureate head right. Rev: CONSERV VRB SVAE, Roma seated left in tetrastyle temple presenting globe to Maxentius, captive seated between; wolf and twins in pediment, Victories each holding a wreath as acroteria. Mintmark AQP. RIC VI Aquileia 113; Cohen 42; Sear 14992.
lawrence c
normal_crispus~0.jpg
083c. CrispusCaesar under Constantine 316-326. Eldest son who proved to be an able politician and general. Executed by Constantine, probably based on charges by his stepmother Fausta of Crispus trying to seduce her.

Coin: Follis. Rome. 20mm, 2.86 g. Obv: CRISPVS NOB CAES. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding shield and spear. Rev: ROMAE AETERNAE / P - R / R Q. Roma seated right on shield, holding another shield inscribed X/V. RIC 152. Naumann Auction 115, Lot 1025.
lawrence c
normal_delmatius_0.jpg
088a. DelmatiusCaesar under Constantine, 335-337. Nephew of Constantine. He came from the Theodora branch of the family that was purged after Constantine's death, and he was murdered by the sons of Constantine.

Coin: AE Follis. 17.8mm, 1.53 g. Aquileia mint. 336-337 AD. Obv: FL DELMATIVS NOB C, laureate, draped, & cuirassed bust right. Rev: Two soldiers standing facing each other, each holding a spear and resting hand on a shield, one standard between them. Mintmark dot AQS.
LRBC 6781; RIC VII Aquileia 147; Sear 16891. A FORUM coin.
lawrence c
oldhannibal~0.jpg
089a. HanniballianusHanniballianus held the unique title of Rex Regnum under Constantine. Hanniballianus, the nephew of Constantine, had control of some eastern cities. He married Constantine's eldest daughter. He was murdered by the sons of Constantine after they assumed power.

Coin: AE16. 15.4mm, 1.61 g. 336-337 AD. Constantinople mint. Obv: FL HANNIBALLIANO REGI, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SE-CVRITAS PVBLICA, Euphrates seated right on ground, holding sceptre, overturned urn at his side, from which waters flow, reed in background. Mintmark CONSS. RIC VII Constantinople 147; Cohen 2; Sear 16905. A FORUM coin.
lawrence c
06c-Constantine-Ser-026.jpg
1.04 Constantine as Caesar: Serdica follis.Follis, July 306 - Spring 307, Serdica mint.
Obverse: FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB CAESAR / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: GENIO POPVLI ROMANI / Genius standing, chlamys over left shoulder, pouring liquid from patera, holding cornucopiae. A in right field.
Mint mark: . SM . SD .
8.28 gm., 27 mm.
RIC #26; PBCC #848; Sear #15532.

RIC (vol VI, p. 489) says of this coin: " Rare for the Augusti, and very rare for the Caesars. This was evidently a small issue." This was the first issue to have Constantine on it, and due to political considerations, the last at Serdica. If you want a coin from each of the 19 mints that produced coins for Constantine, Serdica is the hardest to find.
3 commentsCallimachus
Heraclius_SB_890.jpg
12. Heraclius and Heraclius ConstantineHERACLIUS & HERACLIUS CONSTANTINE
Half follis, Rome, 610-641

DD NN ERACLIORVN Facing busts of Heraclius, no beard, on l., Heraclius Constantine, no beard, on r. / Large XX, cross above, ROM below

SB 890, DOC 262 aF/F
Sosius
Constantinus-I__AE-Follis_CONSTANTINVS-PF-AVG-_SOLI-INVICTO-COMITI-_RIC-VI-893_Trier_-AD_Q-001_axis-6h_20-22,5mm_3,87g-s.jpg
136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Ticinum, RIC VI ???, AE-3 Follis, -/-//--, SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Radiate Sol head right, Not in RIC !!!, R!!!136 Constantinus I. (306-309 A.D. Caesar, 309-910 A.D. Filius Augustorum, 307-337 A.D. Augustus), Ticinum, RIC VI ???, AE-3 Follis, -/-//--, SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Radiate Sol head right, Not in RIC !!!, R!!!
avers:- CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, Laureate, cuirassed bust right.
revers:- SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol radiate, draped bust right.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 20-22,5mm, weight: 3,87g, axis: 6h,
mint: Ticinum !!!, date: 310-313 A.D., ref: RIC-VI-???, Not in RIC !!!, R!!!
RIC VI, TICINUM [before 115], CONSTANTINE, UNLISTED ISSUE [SOLI INVICTO COMITI]
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/notinric/6tic-115_unm3.html
Q-001
quadrans
St.Helena.jpg
1401a, St. Helena, Augusta 8 November 324 - 328 to 330 A.D., mother of Constantine the GreatBronze AE 3, RIC 148, VF, Alexandria mint, 3.243g, 19.4mm, 165o, 327 - 328 A.D. Obverse: FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and mantled bust right wearing double necklace; Reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Securitas holding branch downward in right and lifting fold of robe in left, wreath left, I right, SMAL in exergue; rare.

The mother of Constantine the Great, born about the middle of the third century, possibly in Drepanum (later known as Helenopolis) on the Nicomedian Gulf; died about 330. She was of humble parentage; St. Ambrose, in his "Oratio de obitu Theodosii", referred to her as a stabularia, or inn-keeper. Nevertheless, she became the lawful wife of Constantius Chlorus. Her first and only son, Constantine, was born in Naissus in Upper Moesia, in the year 274. The statement made by English chroniclers of the Middle Ages, according to which Helena was supposed to have been the daughter of a British prince, is entirely without historical foundation. It may arise from the misinterpretation of a term used in the fourth chapter of the panegyric on Constantine's marriage with Fausta, that Constantine, oriendo (i. e., "by his beginnings," "from the outset") had honoured Britain, which was taken as an allusion to his birth, whereas the reference was really to the beginning of his reign.

On the death of Constantius Chlorus, in 308, Constantine, who succeeded him, summoned his mother to the imperial court, conferred on her the title of Augusta, ordered that all honour should be paid her as the mother of the sovereign, and had coins struck bearing her effigy. Her son's influence caused her to embrace Christianity after his victory over Maxentius. This is directly attested by Eusebius (Vita Constantini, III, xlvii): "She (his mother) became under his (Constantine's) influence such a devout servant of God, that one might believe her to have been from her very childhood a disciple of the Redeemer of mankind". It is also clear from the declaration of the contemporary historian of the Church that Helena, from the time of her conversion had an earnestly Christian life and by her influence and liberality favoured the wider spread of Christianity. Tradition links her name with the building of Christian churches in the cities of the West, where the imperial court resided, notably at Rome and Trier, and there is no reason for rejecting this tradition, for we know positively through Eusebius that Helena erected churches on the hallowed spots of Palestine. Despite her advanced age she undertook a journey to Palestine when Constantine, through his victory over Licinius, had become sole master of the Roman Empire, subsequently, therefore, to the year 324. It was in Palestine, as we learn from Eusebius (loc. cit., xlii), that she had resolved to bring to God, the King of kings, the homage and tribute of her devotion. She lavished on that land her bounties and good deeds, she "explored it with remarkable discernment", and "visited it with the care and solicitude of the emperor himself". Then, when she "had shown due veneration to the footsteps of the Saviour", she had two churches erected for the worship of God: one was raised in Bethlehem near the Grotto of the Nativity, the other on the Mount of the Ascension, near Jerusalem. She also embellished the sacred grotto with rich ornaments. This sojourn in Jerusalem proved the starting-point of the legend first recorded by Rufinus as to the discovery of the Cross of Christ.

Constantine I, in 327, improved Drepanum, his mother's native town, and decreed that it should be called Helenopolis, it is probable that the latter returned from Palestine to her son who was then residing in the Orient. Constantine was with her when she died, at the advanced age of eighty years or thereabouts (Eusebius, "Vita Const.", III, xlvi). This must have been about the year 330, for the last coins which are known to have been stamped with her name bore this date. Her body was brought to Constantinople and laid to rest in the imperial vault of the church of the Apostles. It is presumed that her remains were transferred in 849 to the Abbey of Hautvillers, in the French Archdiocese of Reims, as recorded by the monk Altmann in his "Translatio". She was revered as a saint, and the veneration spread, early in the ninth century, even to Western countries. Her feast falls on 18 August.

(See The Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07202b.htm)

Cleisthenes
CrispusRIC17.jpg
1404a, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC 17, aEF, Cyzicus mint, 3.196g, 19.9mm, 315o, 321 - 324 A.D.; Obverse: D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding Victory on globe in right and scepter in left, eagle with wreath in beak to left, X / IIG and captive right, SMKD in exergue; scarce (RIC R3). Ex FORVM.


De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families


Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)


Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm


What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).


Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


Cleisthenes
crispus_votV.jpg
1404b, Crispus, Caesar 317 - 326 A.D. (Thessalonica)Bronze AE 3, RIC 118, VF, Thessalonica mint, 2.740g, 18.0mm, 180o, 320 - 321 A.D. Obverse: FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left; Reverse: CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT V in wreath, TSDVI in exergue.

Flavius Julius Crispus was the son of Constantine I by his first wife. A brilliant soldier, Crispus was well loved by all until 326 A.D., when Constantine had him executed. It is said that Fausta, Crispus stepmother, anxious to secure the succession for her own sons falsely accused Crispus of raping her. Constantine, learning of Fausta`s treachery, had her executed too.


De Imperatoribus Romanis;
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families


Crispus Caesar (317-326 A.D.)


Hans Pohlsander
SUNY Albany

Crispus was the oldest son of the emperor Constantine I and played a fairly important role in the political and military events of the early fourth century. The regular form of his full name is Flavius Iulius Crispus, although the forms Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus also occur. His mother was a woman named Minervina, with whom Constantine had a relationship, probably illegitimate, before he married Fausta in 307. When Minervina died or when Constantine put her aside we do not know. Nor do we know when she gave birth to Crispus; we may assume, of course, that it was before 307. Some modern authorities, on good grounds, think that it was in 305. Crispus' place of birth must have been somewhere in the East, and it is not known when he was brought to Gaul and when, where, or under what circumstances he was separated from his mother.

Constantine entrusted the education of his son to the distinguished Christian scholar Lactantius, thereby giving a clear sign of his commitment to Christianity. We are not told when Lactantius assumed his duties, but a date before 317 seems likely. Nor do we know how successful he was in instilling Christian beliefs and values in his imperial pupil. No later than January of 322 Crispus must have married a woman named Helena -- not to be confused with Constantine's mother or daughter by the same name- and this woman bore him a child in October of 322. Constantine, we learn, was pleased.

Crispus' official career began at an early age and is well documented. On March 1 of 317, at Serdica (modern Sofia), his father appointed him Caesar. The consulship was his three times, in 318, 321, and 324. While nominally in charge of Gaul, with a prefect at his side, he successfully undertook military operations against the Franks and Alamanni in 320 and 323.

In 324, during the second war between Constantine and Licinius, he excelled as commander of Constantine's fleet in the waters of the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Bosporus, thus making a significant contribution to the outcome of that war. The high points of his career are amply reflected in the imperial coinage. In addition to coins, we have his portrait, with varying degrees of certainty, in a number of sculptures, mosaics, cameos, etc. Contemporary authors heap praises upon him. Thus the panegyrist Nazarius speaks of Crispus' "magnificent deeds," and Eusebius calls him "an emperor most dear to God and in all regards comparable to his father."

Crispus' end was as tragic as his career had been brilliant. His own father ordered him to be put to death. We know the year of this sad event, 326, from the Consularia Constantinopolitana, and the place, Pola in Istria, from Ammianus Marcellinus. The circumstances, however, are less clear. Zosimus (6th c.) and Zonaras (12th c.) both report that Crispus and his stepmother Fausta were involved in an illicit relationship. There may be as much gossip as fact in their reports, but it is certain that at some time during the same year the emperor ordered the death of his own wife as well, and the two cases must be considered together. That Crispus and Fausta plotted treason is reported by Gregory of Tours, but not very believable. We must resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins. A similar claim had already been made by Julian the Apostate. We must also, I think, reject the suggestion of Guthrie that the emperor acted in the interest of "dynastic legitimacy," that is, that he removed his illegitimate first-born son in order to secure the succession for his three legitimate younger sons. But Crispus must have committed, or at least must have been suspected of having committed, some especially shocking offense to earn him a sentence of death from his own father. He also suffered damnatio memoriae, his honor was never restored, and history has not recorded the fate of his wife and his child (or children).

Copyright (C) 1997, Hans A. Pohlsander. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis;An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors and their Families:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/crispus.htm


What If?

St. Nectarios, in his book, The Ecumenical Synods, writes "Hellenism spread by Alexander paved the way for Christianity by Emperor Constantine the Great."

Constantine's upward gaze on his "Eyes to Heaven" coins recall the coin portraits of Alexander the Great (namely coins struck by the Diodochi), which served as prototypes for the divine ruler portraiture of much of the Hellenistic age. The diadem, of which this is the most elaborate type, was adopted by Constantine and the members of his house as a new symbol of sovereignty.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine the Great is revered as a Saint.

Is it just possible? Constantine, knowing what happened (or thinking that he does) to Phillip II of Macedon—assassinated on the eve of his greatness, in a plot that most likely involved his wife—and possibly his son. . . isn’t it just possible that Constantine is growing obsessively jealous of his ever more successful and adulated son? Imagine the Constantine who has proven time and again (think: Licinius) that he is a completely self-serving liar and a murderer, decides to murder again? Why "must we resolutely reject the claim of Zosimus that it was Constantine's sense of guilt over these deeds which caused him to accept Christianity, as it alone promised him forgiveness for his sins [?] (see: above). A similar claim had already been made by Julian the [Philosopher]."

Perhaps it is time to cease being apologists for the sometime megalomaniacal Constantine. As Michael Grant notes, "It is a mocking travesty of justice to call such a murderer Constantine the Great . . ." (Grant, Michael. The Emperor Constantine. London: Phoenix Press, 1998. 226).


Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
U809F1JMXNTCBT.jpg
1407a, Constantius II, 337-361 A.D. (Antioch)AE4, 337-361 A.D. Antioch, aVF/VF,Obv:– DN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, Pearl and rosette diadem, head right/R: Wreath with VOT XX MVLT XXX, SMANB in exe.RIC VIII Antioch 113,Item ref: RI170b.

AE3, 2.80 grams, 330-333, Heraclea, aVF. Obv: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C - Laureate bust right, draped and cuirassed. R: GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS - Two soldiers looking in at each other and both holding a spear; between them, two standards Exe: SMHB.

Constantius II was born in Illyricum in August AD 317, the son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, and was proclaimed Caesar in AD 323.

In AD 337, at the death of his father Constantine, he acceded to the throne together with his two brothers Constantine II and Constans. But this accession by the three brothers was tainted by the murder of their cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus, whom Constantine had also intended as joint heirs. These murders are believed to have been masterminded by Constantius II.

Eventually, Constantius II was left as the sole emperor of the Roman empire. Constantius elevated his cousin, Julian, to the rank of Caesar (junior emperor) and gave him his sister Helena in marriage. Julian was assigned the task of dealing with the Frankish leader, Silvanus, who had proclaimed himself emepror at Colonia Agrippina. Julian's success led his men to declare him Augustus. Julian, while reluctant to take the throne, accepted.

Constantius II, therefore, left the Mesopotamian frontier and marched his troops west, seeking to deal with the usurper. As he reached Cilicia in the winter of AD 361, he was overcome by a sudden fever and died at Mopsucrene. Julian, the Apostate, succeded him as Emperor.

Our chief source for Constantius' reign is the great historian Ammianus Marcellinus. He presents a mixed view of that emperor. In some ways a sound administrator and competent general, Constantius is also portrayed as easily influenced by those around him such as his wives, courtiers and the eunuchs of the court (Ammianus 21. 16. 16). Ammianus (21.16.18) also attacks Constantius' great interest in Church affairs--alleging that he bankrupted the courier service with calls for Church councils. Of course, imperial interest in Church affairs was a major policy of his father Constantine and it may be that Constantius was trying to emulate his model (if only with mixed success). Indeed, Constantius II (like his brothers Constantine II and Constans) was raised a Christian. Among his many laws is the famous CTh 16.10.2 of 341 which either prohibited or re-issued his father's prohibition of pagan sacrifices. Sympathetic to Arianism, he spent a great deal of his reign calling Church councils. One of the longest-reigned emperors in Roman history, Constantius is hard for the modern historian to fully understand both due to his own actions and due to the interests of the authors of primary sources for his reign.

By Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University & Robert Frakes, Clarion University
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.

1 commentsCleisthenes
Cnstntius2b.jpg
1407h, Constantius II, 337-361 A.D. (Heraclea)Constantius II 337-361 A.D. AE3, 2.80 grams, 330-333, Heraclea, aVF. Obverse: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C - Laureate bust right, draped and cuirassed; Reverse: GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS - Two soldiers looking in at each other and both holding a spear; between them, two standards; SMHB in exergue.

Constantius II was born in Illyricum in August AD 317, the son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, and was proclaimed Caesar in AD 323.

In AD 337, at the death of his father Constantine, he acceded to the throne together with his two brothers Constantine II and Constans. But this accession by the three brothers was tainted by the murder of their cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus, whom Constantine had also intended as joint heirs. These murders are believed to have been masterminded by Constantius II.

Eventually, Constantius II was left as the sole emperor of the Roman empire. Constantius elevated his cousin, Julian, to the rank of Caesar (junior emperor) and gave him his sister Helena in marriage. Julian was assigned the task of dealing with the Frankish leader, Silvanus, who had proclaimed himself emepror at Colonia Agrippina. Julian's success led his men to declare him Augustus. Julian, while reluctant to take the throne, accepted.

Constantius II, therefore, left the Mesopotamian frontier and marched his troops west, seeking to deal with the usurper. As he reached Cilicia in the winter of AD 361, he was overcome by a sudden fever and died at Mopsucrene. Julian, the Apostate, succeded him as Emperor.

Our chief source for Constantius' reign is the great historian Ammianus Marcellinus. He presents a mixed view of that emperor. In some ways a sound administrator and competent general, Constantius is also portrayed as easily influenced by those around him such as his wives, courtiers and the eunuchs of the court (Ammianus 21. 16. 16). Ammianus (21.16.18) also attacks Constantius' great interest in Church affairs--alleging that he bankrupted the courier service with calls for Church councils. Of course, imperial interest in Church affairs was a major policy of his father Constantine and it may be that Constantius was trying to emulate his model (if only with mixed success). Indeed, Constantius II (like his brothers Constantine II and Constans) was raised a Christian. Among his many laws is the famous CTh 16.10.2 of 341 which either prohibited or re-issued his father's prohibition of pagan sacrifices. Sympathetic to Arianism, he spent a great deal of his reign calling Church councils. One of the longest-reigned emperors in Roman history, Constantius is hard for the modern historian to fully understand both due to his own actions and due to the interests of the authors of primary sources for his reign.
By Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University & Robert Frakes, Clarion University
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
Constantius II.jpg
1407r, Constantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 November 361 A.D.Bronze AE 3, RIC 272, aVF, 2.203g, 18.1mm, 0o, Rome mint, 352 - 355 A.D.; obverse D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse FEL TEMP REPARATIO, soldier spearing fallen horseman, RT in ex.

Constantius II was born in Illyricum in August AD 317, the son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, and was proclaimed Caesar in AD 323.

In AD 337, at the death of his father Constantine, he acceded to the throne together with his two brothers Constantine II and Constans. But this accession by the three brothers was tainted by the murder of their cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus, whom Constantine had also intended as joint heirs. These murders are believed to have been masterminded by Constantius II.

Eventually, Constantius II was left as the sole emperor of the Roman empire. Constantius elevated Julian to the rank of Caesar (junior emperor) and gave him his sister Helena in marriage. Julian was assigned the task of dealing with the Frankish leader, Silvanus, who had proclaimed himself emepror at Colonia Agrippina. Julian's success lead his men to declare him Augustus. Julian, while reluctant to take the throne, accepted.

Constantius II, therefore left the Mesopotamian frontier and marched his troops west, seeking to deal with the usurper. As he reached Cilicia in the winter of AD 361, he was overcome by a sudden fever and died at Mopsucrene. Julian, the Apostate, succeded him as Emperor.

Our chief source for Constantius' reign is the great historian Ammianus Marcellinus. He presents a mixed view of that emperor. In some ways a sound administrator and competent general, Constantius is also portrayed as easily influenced by those around him such as his wives, courtiers and the eunuchs of the court (Ammianus 21. 16. 16). Ammianus (21.16.18) also attacks Constantius' great interest in Church affairs--alleging that he bankrupted the courier service with calls for Church councils. Of course, imperial interest in Church affairs was a major policy of his father Constantine and it may be that Constantius was trying to emulate his model (if only with mixed success). Indeed, Constantius II (like his brothers Constantine II and Constans) was raised a Christian. Among his many laws is the famous CTh 16.10.2 of 341 which either prohibited or re-issued his father's prohibition of pagan sacrifices. Sympathetic to Arianism, he spent a great deal of his reign calling Church councils. One of the longest-reigned emperors in Roman history, Constantius is hard for the modern historian to fully understand both due to his own actions and due to the interests of the authors of primary sources for his reign.

By Michael DiMaio, Jr., Salve Regina University & Robert Frakes, Clarion University
Published: De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.



Cleisthenes
Constans_II_Doc_26b.jpg
15. Constans II with Constantine IVBYZANTINE
Constans II, with Constantine IV
641-668. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Const. mint, 3rd off. Struck 654-659.

O: Crowned facing busts of Constans, bearded, and Constantine, beardless; cross above

R: Cross potent on 3 steps; Γ//CONOBI. DOC 26b; MIB 28; SB 960. Near EF.
R: Cross potent on 3 steps; Γ//CONOBI.

DOC 26b; MIB 28; SB 960. Near EF.

Ex CNG
1 commentsSosius
15-Constantine-I-Lon-RIC-8.jpg
15. Constantine I.Follis, ca 313-314, London mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO COMITI ; S F in field / Sol standing, holding globe.
Mint mark: PLN in exergue.
4.00 gm., 22 mm.
RIC vol VII, #8; PBCC unlisted; Sear #16050.
Callimachus
LarryW1941.jpg
160 Tiberius II Constantine, AD 578-582Gold solidus, 23mm, 4.36g, gVF
Struck at Constantinople c. AD 579-582
D M Tib CONS-TANT PP AVI, bust facing, wears cuirass and crown with cross and pendilia, holds globus cruciger in right and shield decorated with horseman with left / VICTO(R)I-A AVCC Θ cross potent on four steps, CONOB in exegrue
Ex: Harlan Berk
DOC 4i; Sear 422; Berk 76
Lawrence W
LarryW8000.jpg
165 Tiberius II Constantine, AD 578-582Gold solidus, 21mm, 4.41g, VF
Struck at Constantinople c. AD 579-582
D M Tib CONS-TANT PP AVI, bust facing, wears cuirass and crown with cross and pendilia, holds globus cruciger in right and shield decorated with horseman with left / VICTORI-A AVCC E cross potent on four steps, CONOB in exegrue
Ex: Beast Coins
DOC 4e; Sear 422; Berk 76
Lawrence W
MaximianusFollisGenio.jpg
1dt Maximianus286-305, 306-308, 310

Quarter Follis

Laureate head, right, IMP C M A MAXIMIANVS P F AVG
Genius standing left, with modius on head, cornucopia & patera, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, SIS in exergue

RIC 146

Eutropius records: [Diocletian] thus became master of the Roman empire; and when the peasants in Gaul made an insurrection, giving their faction the name of Bagaudae, and having for leaders Amandus and Aelianus, he despatched Maximian Herculius, with the authority of Caesar, to suppress them. Maximian, in a few battles of little importance, subdued the rustic multitude, and restored peace to Gaul. . . . While disorder thus prevailed throughout the world, while Carausius was taking arms in Britain and Achilleus in Egypt, while the Quinquegentiani were harassing Africa, and Narseus was making war upon the east, Diocletian promoted MAXIMIAN HERCULIUS from the dignity of Caesar to that "of emperor, and created Constantius and Maximian Galerius Caesars. . . .

Maximian the emperor, brought the war to an end in Africa, by subduing the Quinquegentiani, and compelling them to make peace. . . .

Herculius was undisguisedly cruel, and of a violent temper, and showed his severity of disposition in the sternness of his looks. Gratifying his own inclination, he joined with Diocletian in even the most cruel of his proceedings. But when Diocletian, as age bore heavily upon him, felt himself unable to sustain the government of the empire, he suggested to Herculius that they should both retire into private life, and commit the duty of upholding the state to more vigorous and youthful hands. With this suggestion his colleague reluctantly complied. Both of them, in the same day, exchanged the robe of empire for an ordinary dress, Diocletian at Nicomedia, Herculius at Milan, soon after a magnificent triumph which they celebrated at Rome over several nations, with a noble succession of pictures, and in which the wives, sisters, and children of Narseus were led before their chariots. The one then retired to Salonae, and the other into Lucania.

But after the death of Constantius, CONSTANTINE, his son by a wife of obscure birth, was made emperor in Britain, and succeeded his father as a most desirable ruler. In the meantime the praetorian guards at Rome, having risen in insurrection, declared MAXENTIUS, the son of Maximian Herculius, who lived in the Villa Publica not far from the city, emperor. At the news of this proceeding, Maximian, filled with hopes of regaining the imperial dignity, which he had not willingly resigned, hurried to Rome from Lucania. . . , and stimulated Diocletian by letters to resume the authority that he had laid down, letters which Diocletian utterly disregarded. Severus Caesar, being despatched to Rome by Galerius to suppress the rising of the guards and Maxentius, arrived there with his army, but, as he was laying siege to the city, was deserted through the treachery of his soldiers.

The power of Maxentius was thus increased, and his government established. Severus, taking to flight, was killed at Ravenna. Maximian Herculius, attempting afterwards, in an assembly of the army, to divest his son Maxentius of his power, met with nothing but mutiny and reproaches from the soldiery. He then set out for Gaul, on a planned stratagem, as if he had been driven away by his son, that he might join his son-in-law Constantine, designing, however, if he could find an opportunity, to cut off Constantine, who was ruling in Gaul with great approbation both of the soldiers and the people of the province, having overthrown the Franks and Alemanni with great slaughter, and captured their kings, whom, on exhibiting a magnificent show of games, he exposed to wild beasts. But the plot being made known by Maximian's daughter Fausta, who communicated the design to her husband, Maximian was cut off at Marseilles, whence he was preparing to sail to join his son, and died a well-deserved death. . . .
Blindado
SeverusIIFollisGenio.jpg
1dx Severus II306-307

Quarter Follis

Laureate head, right, FL VAL SEVERVS NOB C
Genius standing left, modius on head, naked except for chlamys over left shoulder, holding patera and cornucopiae. Mintmark SIS, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI.

RIC 170a

According to Eutropius: Galerius, a man of excellent moral character, and skilful in military affairs, finding that Italy, by Constantius's permission, was put under his government, created two Caesars, MAXIMIN, whom he appointed over the east, and SEVERUS, to whom he committed Italy. He himself resided in Illyricum. But after the death of Constantius, CONSTANTINE, his son by a wife of obscure birth, was made emperor in Britain, and succeeded his father as a most desirable ruler. In the meantime the praetorian guards at Rome, having risen in insurrection, declared MAXENTIUS, the son of Maximian Herculius, who lived in the Villa Publica not far from the city, emperor. . . . Severus Caesar, being despatched to Rome by Galerius to suppress the rising of the guards and Maxentius, arrived there with his army, but, as he was laying siege to the city, was deserted through the treachery of his soldiers. . . .
The power of Maxentius was thus increased, and his government established. Severus, taking to flight, was killed at Ravenna.
Blindado
MaximinusIIFollisGenio.jpg
1dy Maximinus II309-313

Quarter Follis

Laureate head, right, MAXIMINVS NOB C
Genius standing left, naked except for modius on head & chlamys over shoulder, holding patera & cornucopiae, SIS in ex, GENIO POPVLI ROMANI.

RIC 170b

According to Eutropius: Galerius, a man of excellent moral character, and skilful in military affairs, finding that Italy, by Constantius's permission, was put under his government, created two Caesars, MAXIMIN, whom he appointed over the east, and SEVERUS, to whom he committed Italy. He himself resided in Illyricum. . . . LICINIUS, a native of Dacia, was made emperor by Galerius, to whom he was known by old companionship, and recommended by his vigorous efforts and services in the war which he had conducted against Narseus. The death of Galerius followed immediately afterwards. The empire was then held by the four new emperors, Constantine and Maxentius, sons of emperors, Licinius and Maximian, sons of undistinguished men. Constantine, however, in the fifth year of his reign, commenced a civil war with Maxentius, routed his forces in several battles, and at last overthrew Maxentius himself (when he was spreading death among the nobility by every possible kind of cruelty,4) at the Milvian bridge, and made himself master of Italy. Not long after, too, Maximin, after commencing hostilities against Licinius in the east, anticipated the destruction that was falling upon him by an accidental death at Tarsus.
Blindado
MaxentiusFollisRoma.jpg
1dz Maxentius306-312

Follis

Laureate head, right, MAXENTIVS P F AVG
Roma in temple, CONSERVATORES VRB SVAE

RIC 194a

Eutropius reports: But after the death of Constantius, CONSTANTINE, his son by a wife of obscure birth, was made emperor in Britain, and succeeded his father as a most desirable ruler. In the meantime the praetorian guards at Rome, having risen in insurrection, declared MAXENTIUS, the son of Maximian Herculius, who lived in the Villa Publica not far from the city, emperor. At the news of this proceeding, Maximian, filled with hopes of regaining the imperial dignity, which he had not willingly resigned, hurried to Rome from Lucania. . . , and stimulated Diocletian by letters to resume the authority that he had laid down, letters which Diocletian utterly disregarded. Severus Caesar, being despatched to Rome by Galerius to suppress the rising of the guards and Maxentius, arrived there with his army, but, as he was laying siege to the city, was deserted through the treachery of his soldiers.

The power of Maxentius was thus increased, and his government established. Severus, taking to flight, was killed at Ravenna. Maximian Herculius, attempting afterwards, in an assembly of the army, to divest his son Maxentius of his power, met with nothing but mutiny and reproaches from the soldiery. . . .

At this time LICINIUS, a native of Dacia, was made emperor by Galerius, to whom he was known by old companionship, and recommended by his vigorous efforts and services in the war which he had conducted against Narseus. The death of Galerius followed immediately afterwards. The empire was then held by the four new emperors, Constantine and Maxentius, sons of emperors, Licinius and Maximian, sons of undistinguished men. Constantine, however, in the fifth year of his reign, commenced a civil war with Maxentius, routed his forces in several battles, and at last overthrew Maxentius himself (when he was spreading death among the nobility by every possible kind of cruelty,) at the Milvian bridge, and made himself master of Italy.
Blindado
LiciniusFollisIovi.jpg
1ea Licinius308-324

Follis

Laureate head, right, IMP LIC LICINIVS P F AVG
Jupiter standing left with thunderbolt and sceptre, eagle at foot with wreath in its beak, A over μ (Mu) over dot in right field, dot SIS dot in ex, IOVI CONSERVATORI

RIC 225a var

According to Zonaras: Maximinus took as colleague in his rule Licinius, who derived his lineage from the Dacians and was the brother-in-law of Constantine the Great. After he had made him colleague in his sovereignty and left him in Illyricum to defend the Thracians, who were being plundered by barbarians, he himself proceeded to Rome, to battle against Maxentius. Then, being suspicious of his own soldiers and fearing lest they desert to the enemy, he desisted from battle and departed. He regretted his appointment of Licinius, first plotted secretly against him, and then openly joined battle with him. He attacked him, was repulsed, defeated, and fled, and in his flight did away with himself. . . .

Eutropius adds: CONSTANTINE, being a man of great energy, bent upon effecting whatever he had settled in his mind, and aspiring to the sovereignty of the whole world, proceeded to make war on Licinius, although he had formed a connexion with him by marriage, for his sister Constantia was married to Licinius. And first of all be overthrew him, by a sudden attack, at Cibalae in Pannonia, where he was making vast preparations for war; and after becoming master of Dardania, Maesia, and Macedonia, took possession also of several other provinces.

There were then various contests between them, and peace made and broken. At last Licinius, defeated in a battle at Nicomedia by sea and land, surrendered himself, and, in violation of an oath taken by Constantine, was put to death, after being divested of the purple, at Thessalonica.
Blindado
ConstantinusFollisSol.jpg
1ec_2 Constantine the Great307-337

Follis

Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right, IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand, captive to left. Mintmark RQ.

RIC VII 52

According to Zonaras: Constans, in the eleventh year of his reign since he had been proclaimed Caesar, having ruled gently and mildly, came to the end of his life while residing in Britain, having, because of his goodness, bequeathed grief for himself among those he ruled, first having appointed successor the elder of his own sons, namely Constantine the Great, whom he begat by his first wife. He also had by his second wife, Herculius’ daughter Theodora, other sons, Constantinus, Hannibalianus, and Constantius. Constantine the Great was preferred over them, since they were judged by their father to be unsuited for sovereignty. . . . Constantine, when he was still a lad, was actually given by his father as a hostage to Gallerius, in order that, serving as a hostage, at the same time he be trained in the exercise of the soldierly art.

Eutropius summarizes: CONSTANTINE, being a man of great energy, bent upon effecting whatever he had settled in his mind, and aspiring to the sovereignty of the whole world, proceeded to make war on Licinius, although he had formed a connexion with him by marriage,5 for his sister Constantia was married to Licinius. And first of all be overthrew him, by a sudden attack, at Cibalae in Pannonia, where he was making vast preparations for war; and after becoming master of Dardania, Maesia, and Macedonia, took possession also of several other provinces.

There were then various contests between them, and peace made and broken. At last Licinius, defeated in a battle at Nicomedia by sea and land, surrendered himself, and, in violation of an oath taken by Constantine, was put to death, after being divested of the purple, at Thessalonica.

At this time the Roman empire fell under the sway of one emperor and three Caesars, a state of things which had never existed before; the sons of Constantine ruling over Gaul, the east, and Italy. But the pride of prosperity caused Constantine greatly to depart from his former agreeable mildness of temper. Falling first upon his own relatives, he put to death his son, an excellent man; his sister's son, a youth of amiable disposition; soon afterwards his wife, and subsequently many of his friends.

He was a man, who, in the beginning of his reign, might have been compared to the best princes; in the latter part of it, only to those of a middling character. Innumerable good qualities of mind and body were apparent in him; he was exceedingly ambitious of military glory, and had great success in his wars; a success, however, not more than proportioned to his exertions. After he had terminated the Civil war, he also overthrew the Goths on various occasions, granting them at last peace, and leaving on the minds of the barbarians a strong remembrance of his kindness. He was attached to the arts of peace and to liberal studies, and was ambitious of honourable popularity, which he, indeed, sought by every kind of liberality and obligingness. Though he was slow, from suspicion, to serve some of his friends,6 yet he was exceedingly generous towards others, neglecting no opportunity to add to their riches and honours.

He enacted many laws, some good and equitable, but most of them superfluous, and some severe. He was the first that endeavoured to raise the city named after him to such a height as to make it a rival to Rome. As he was preparing for war against the Parthians, who were then disturbing Mesopotamia, he died in the Villa Publica, at Nicomedia, in the thirty-first year of his reign, and the sixty-sixth of his age.

Zosimus described Constantine's conversion to Christianity: For he put to death his son Crispus, stiled (as I mentioned) Caesar, on suspicion of debauching his mother-in-law Fausta, without any regard to the ties of nature. And when his own mother Helena expressed much sorrow for this atrocity, lamenting the young man's death with great bitterness, Constantine under pretence of comforting her, applied a remedy worse than the disease. For causing a bath to be heated to an extraordinary degree, he shut up Fausta in it, and a short time after took her out dead. Of which his conscience accusing him, as also of violating his oath, he went to the priests to be purified from his crimes. But they told him, that there was no kind of lustration that was sufficient to clear him of such enormities. A Spaniard, named Aegyptius, very familiar with the court-ladies, being at Rome, happened to fall into converse with Constantine, and assured him, that the Christian doctrine would teach him how to cleanse himself from all his offences, and that they who received it were immediately absolved from all their sins. Constantine had no sooner heard this than he easily believed what was told him, and forsaking the rites of his country, received those which Aegyptius offered him ; and for the first instance of his impiety, suspected the truth of divination.
Blindado
FaustaAE3Fausta.jpg
1ed FaustaAE 3

Draped bust with pearl necklace, right, FLAV MAX FAVSTA AVG
Fausta Constantine II and Constantius II, FAVSTAE NOBILISSIMAE FEMINAE, mintmark: ΓSIS wreath

RIC 197

Zonaras records: When he had succeeded to his father’s realm, [Constantine] ruled Britain and the Alps, and in addition Gaul, still leaning toward the religion of the Hellenes and opposing the Christians, enticed by his wife Fausta toward ardor in the worship of the idols. Fausta was the daughter of Maximianus. . . . From Fausta, the daughter of Maximianus, the sovereign produced three sons—Constantine, Constantius, and Constans—and a daughter Helen, who later married Julian. . . . Fausta, being erotically obsessed with [her stepson Crispus], since she did not find him compliant, denounced him to his father as being in love with her and as having often attempted to use force against her. Hence, Crispus was condemned to death by his father, who had been persuaded by his spouse. When the emperor later realized the truth, he chastened his wife both because of her unchasteness and on account of the murder of his son. For after she had been led into an exceedingly hot bath, there she violently ended her life.
Blindado
CrispusAE3Victoria.jpg
1ef CrispusCaesar 317-326

AE3, Thessalonica

Laureate, draped & cuirassed bust, right, D N FL IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm, VICTORIA CAESS NN. Mintmark dot TS dot epsilon dot.

Zosimus recorded Crispus' elevation to Caesar: "Constantine, having taken Cibalis, and Sirmium, and all the towns that Licinius had abandoned, sent five thousand men in pursuit of him. But as these were ignorant of the course he had taken, they could not overtake him. Constantine however, having rebuilt the bridge over the Saus, which Licinius had broken down, was with his army almost at his heels. Having entered Thrace, he arrived at the plain where Licinius lay encamped. On the night of his arrival there he marshalled his army, and gave orders for his soldiers to be ready for battle by day-break. As soon as it was light, Licinius, perceiving Constantine with his army, drew up his forces also, having been joined by Valens, whom he styled Caesar, after the battle of Cibalis. When the armies engaged, they first fought with bows at a distance ; but when their arrows were spent, they began to use their javelins, and poignards. Thus the battle continued very obstinately for a considerable time, until those whom Constantine had sent in pursuit of Licinius descended from an eminence upon the armies while they were engaged. These wheeled round the hill |46 before they arrived at them, deeming it best to join their own party from the higher ground, and to encompass the enemy. The troops of Licinius, being aware of them, courageously withstood against them all, so that many thousands were slain on both sides, and the advantage was equal, till the signal was given for both to retire. Next day they agreed on a truce, and entered into an alliance with each other, on condition that Constantine should possess Illyricum and all the nations westward, and that Licinius should have Thrace and the east; but that Valens, whom Licinius had made Caesar, should be put to death, because be was said to be the author of all the mischief which had happened. Having done this, and sworn on both sides to observe the conditions, Constantine conferred the rank and title of Caesar on Crispus, his son by a concubine called Minervina, who was as yet but a youth, and on Constantine, who was born but a few days before at Arelatum. At the same time Licinianus, the son of Licinius, who was twenty months of age, was declared Caesar, Thus ended the second war."

According to Zonaras, "By a concubine he also had another son, called Crispus, older than his other sons, who distinguished himself often in the war against Licinius. His stepmother Fausta, being erotically obsessed with him, since she did not find him compliant, denounced him to his father as being in love with her and as having often attempted to use force against her. Hence, Crispus was condemned to death by his father, who had been persuaded by his spouse."

Constantine had his son strangled to death in Pula.

RIC 62
Blindado
DelmatiusAE3GlorEx.jpg
1eg DelmatiusCaesar 335-337

AE3, Thessalonica

Laureate, cuirassed bust, right, FL DELMATIVS NOB C two soldiers holding spears and shields with two standards between them, O on banner, GLORIA EXERCITVS. Mintmark: SMTSD.

RIC 202D

Zosimus recorded: After Constantine had oppressed and tormented the people in these various modes, he died of a disease, and was succeeded by his three sons, who were not born of Fausta the daughter of Maximianus Herculius, but of another woman, whom he had put to death for adultery. They devoted themselves more to the pleasures of youth than to the service of the state. They began by dividing the nations between them. Constantine the eldest, and Constans the youngest, having for their share all beyond the Alps, together with Italy and Illyricum, the countries bordering on the Euxine sea and all that belonged to Carthage in Africa; Constantius obtained all Asia, the east, and Egypt. There were likewise others who shared in the government; Dalmatius, whom Constantine made Caesar, Constantius his brother, and Hanniballianus, who had all worn robes of purple embroidered with gold, and were promoted to the order of Nobilissimates by Constantine, from respect to their being of his own family. . . . The empire being thus divided, Constantius who appeared to take pains not to fall short of his father in impiety, began by shedding the blood of his nearest relations. He first caused Constantius, his father's brother, to be murdered by the soldiers ; next to whom he treated Dalmatius in the same manner, as also Optatus whom Constantine had raised to the rank of a Nobilissimate.

A great-nephew of Constantine the Great.
Blindado
MagnentiusCentenionalis.jpg
1ek Magnentius350-353

Centenionalis

Bare-headed, draped & cuirassed bust, right, D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG
Two victories, VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES

RIC 173

Zosimus recorded: Magnentius thus gained the empire, and possessed himself all the nations beyond the Alps, and the whole of Italy. Vetranio, general of the Pannonian army, upon hearing of the good fortune of Magnentius, was himself inflamed with the same desire, and was declared emperor by the legions that were with him, at Mursa, a city of Pannonia. While affairs were thus situated, the Persians plundered the eastern countries, particularly Mesopotamia. But Constantine, though he was defeated by the Persians, yet resolved to subdue the factions of Magnentius and Vetranio. . . . Constantius advanced from the east against Magnentius, but deemed it best first to win over Vetranio to his interest, as it was difficult to oppose two rebels at once. On the other hand, Magnentius used great endeavours to make Vetranio his friend, and thus to put an end to the war against Constantius. Both therefore sent agents to Vetranio, who chose to adopt the friendship of Constantius rather than that of Magnentius. The ambassadors of Magnentius returned without effecting their purpose. Constantius desired that both armies might join, to undertake the war against Magnentius. To which proposal Vetranio readily assented. . . . When the soldiers heard this, having been previously corrupted by valuable presents, they cried out, that they would have no mock emperors, and immediately began to strip the purple from Vetranio, and pulled him from the throne with the determination to reduce him to a private station. . . . Constantius, having so well succeeded in his design against Vetranio, marched against Magnentius, having first conferred the title of Caesar on Gallus, the son of his uncle, and brother to Julian who was afterwards emperor, and given him in marriage his sister Constantia. . . .

Constantius now gaining the victory, by the army of Magnentius taking to flight, a terrible slaughter ensued. Magnentius, therefore being deprived ofall hope, and apprehensive lest the remnant of his army should deliver him to Constantius, deemed it best to retire from Pannonia, and to enter Italy, in order to raise an army there for another attempt. But when he heard that the people of Rome were in favour of Constantius, either from hatred to himself, or because they had heard of the event of the battle, he resolved to cross the Alps, and .seek for himself a refuge among the nations on that side. Hearing however that Constantius had likewise engaged the Barbarians near the Rhine against him, and that |65 he could not enter Gaul, as some officers had obstructed his passage thither in order to make their court to Constantius, nor through Spain into Mauritania, on account of the Roman allies there who studied to please Constantius. In these circumstances he preferred a voluntary death to a dishonourable life, and chose rather to die by his own hand than by that of his enemy.

Thus died Magnentius, having been emperor three years and six months. He was of Barbarian extraction, but lived among the Leti, a people of Gaul. He understood Latin, was bold when favoured by fortune, but cowardly in adversity, ingenious in concealing his natural evil disposition, and deemed by those who did not know him to be a man of candour and goodness. I have thought it just to make these observations concerning Magnentius, that the world may be acquainted With his true character, since it has been the opinion of some that he performed much good, who never in his life did any thing with a good intention.
Blindado
07a-Constantine-Lug-273.jpg
2.01 Constantine: Lugdunum follis.Follis, Autumn 307 - Summer 308, Lugdunum mint.
Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS / Constantine standing, in military dress, holding standard in each hand.
Mint mark: PLG
7.44 gm., 26 mm.
RIC #273; PBCC #259; Sear #16027.
Callimachus
07c-Constantine-Tre-841a.jpg
2.04 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 309, Treveri mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS / Constantine standing, in military dress, holding transverse spear and globe. T in left field; F in right field.
Mint mark: PTR
8.25 gm., 28 mm.
RIC #841a; PBCC #153; Sear #16024.
Callimachus
07g-Constantine-Tre-862.jpg
2.07 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 310 - May 313, Treveri mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: MARTI CONSERVATORI / Mars standing, leaning on reversed spear, resting shield on ground. T in left field; F in right field.
Mint mark: PTR
3.80 gm., 23.5 mm.
RIC #862; PBCC #155a; Sear #15981.
Callimachus
07i-Constantine-Tre-884.jpg
2.10 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 310 - 313, Treveri mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: MARTI CONSERVATORI / Helmeted bust of Mars.
Mint mark: (none)
4.05 gm., 23 mm.
RIC #884; PBCC #156; Sear #16001.
Callimachus
07k-Constantine-Tre-890.jpg
2.13 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 310 - 313, Treveri mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO COMITI / Radiate bust of Sol.
Mint mark: (none)
4.86 gm., 23 mm.
RIC #890; PBCC #158; Sear #16125.
2 commentsCallimachus
07l-Constantine-Tre-RIC-873.jpg
2.16 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 310 - 313, Treveri mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO COMITI / Sol standing, holding globe. T in left field, F in right field.
Mint mark: PTR

5.83 gm., 24 mm.
RIC #873; PBCC #157; Sear #16060.
Callimachus
07m-Constantine-Ant-167c.jpg
2.19 Constantine: Antioch follis.Follis, 312, Antioch mint.
Obverse: IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO / Sol in long robe, holding head of Serapis; Z in left field; star in right field.
Mint mark: ANT
5.05 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #167c; PBCC #1137; Sear #16044.
1 commentsCallimachus
12a-Constantine-Rom-350a.jpg
2.22 Constantine: Rome follis.Follis, Oct. 312 - 313, Rome mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI / Legionary eagle between two vexilla.
Mint mark: RQ
3.83 gm., 22 mm.
RIC #350a; PBCC #470; Sear #16128.
Callimachus
12c-Constantine-Ost-094.jpg
2.25 Constantine: Ostia follis.Follis, Oct 312 - May 313, Ostia mint.
Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI / Legionary eagle between two vexilla.
Mint mark: MOSTT
3.49 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #94; PBCC #631; Sear #16129.
Callimachus
12e-Constantine-The-061b.jpg
2.28 Constantine: Thessalonica follis.Follis, 312 - 313, Thessalonica mint.
Obverse: IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN / Jupiter standing, chlamys over left shoulder, holding Victory on globe, leaning on sceptre. Eagle with wreath in its beak at his feet.
Mint mark: . TS . Γ .
2.95 gm., 25 mm.
RIC #61b; PBCC #872; Sear #15972.
Callimachus
12g-Constantine-Her-075.jpg
2.31 Constantine: Heraclea follis.Follis, 313 - 314, Heraclea mint.
Obverse: IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG / Jupiter standing, chlamys over left shoulder, holding Victory on globe, leaning on sceptre. Eagle with wreath in its beak at his feet. E in right field.
Mint mark: SMHT
3.95 gm., 22 mm.
RIC #75 (vol VI) and #5 (vol VII); Sear #15958.

This coin seems to be listed twice in RIC: #75 in Volume VI, and #5 in Volume VII.

RIC Volume VI (page 541) assigns this coin to the year 313, just before Maximinus (Daza) occupied the city of Heraclea for a month or so, during which he issued his own different coinage.

RIC Volume VII (page 542) assigns the coin to the period of time just after Maximinus withdrew from Heraclea and into the year 314. Page 533 says the coinage from before Maximinus' occupation continued after his withdrawal "with exactly the same reverse as before the occupation."

I can not tell the difference between these two listings and have to conclude they are the same coin. Either way, it is a nice coin from turbulent times in the history of Heraclea. The original silvering is still under that patina.
Callimachus
12i-Constantine-Lon-008.jpg
2.34 Constantine: London follis.Follis, ca 313 - 314, Londinium mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO COMITI / Sol standing, holding globe. S in left field, F in right field.
Mint mark: PLN
4.00 gm., 21 mm.
RIC #8, PBCC unlisted; Sear #16050.
Callimachus
12k-Constantine-Tre-044.jpg
2.37 Constantine: Treveri follis.Follis, 313 - 315, Treveri mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SOLI INVICTO COMITI / Sol standing, chlamys spread, raising right hand, holding globe in left hand. T in left field; F in right field.
Mint mark: PTR
3.98 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #44; PBCC #172; Sear #16061.
Callimachus
12m-Constantine-Ale-006.jpg
2.40 Constantine: Alexandria follis.Follis, 314 - 315, Alexandria mint.
Obverse: FL VALER CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI / Jupiter standing, chlamys over left shoulder, holding Victory on globe, leaning on sceptre. Eagle at his feet. N in left field; A in right field.
Mint mark: ALE
5.35 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #6; PBCC #1203; Sear #15947.
Callimachus
12o-Constantine-Sis-015.jpg
2.43 Constantine: Siscia follis.Follis, 315 - 316, Siscia mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI / Jupiter standing, chlamys over left shoulder, holding Victory on globe, leaning on sceptre. Eagle with wreath in its beak at his feet. B in right field.
Mint mark: . SIS
3.74 gm., 21 mm.
RIC #15; PBCC #802; Sear unlisted.
Callimachus
17a-Constantine-Cyz-008.jpg
2.46 Constantine: Cyzicus.AE3, 317 - 320, Cyzicus mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine, facing left, holding globe and sceptre.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG / Jupiter standing, holding sceptre and Victory on globe. "Sun" symbol in left field; E in right field.
Mint mark: SMK
3.27 gm., 18 mm.
RIC #8; PBCC #1068; Sear #15967.
Callimachus
17c-Constantine-The-031.jpg
2.49 Constantine: Thessalonica.AE3, 318 - 319, Thessalonica mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VOT XX MVLT XXX in wreath.
Mint mark: TS . Δ .
3.17 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #31; PBCC #885; Sear unlisted.
Callimachus
17e-Constantine-Tre-209.jpg
2.52 Constantine: Treveri.AE3, 318-319, Treveri mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG / Helmeted and laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP / Two Victories resting shield on altar. Shield is inscribed VOT P R.
Mint mark: STR
2.90 gm., 18 mm.
RIC #209; PBCC #188; Sear #16297.
Callimachus
17g-Constantine-Lon-156.jpg
2.55 Constantine: London.AE3, 318 - 320, Londinium mint.
Obverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG / Helmeted bust of Constantine facing left, spear across his left shoulder.
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP / Two Victories resting shield on altar. Shield is inscribed VOT P R.
Mint mark: PLN
2.95 gm., 17.5 mm.
RIC #156; PBCC #78; Sear unlisted.
Callimachus
17i-Constantine-Tic-114.jpg
2.58 Constantine: Ticinium.AE3, 319 - 320, Ticinium mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Helmeted bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCIT / Standard with VOT XX on it, captive seated on ground on either side.
Mint mark: ST
2.79 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #114; PBCC #383; Sear 16322.
Callimachus
17k-Constantine-Aqu-048.jpg
2.61 Constantine: Aquileia.AE3, 320, Aquileia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Helmeted bust of Constantine.
Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCI / Standard with VOT XX on it, captive, seated on ground on either side. S in left field; F in right field.
Mint mark: AQP
2.63 gm., 18 mm.
RIC #48; PBCC #751; Sear #16323.
Callimachus
20a-Constantine-Arl-228.jpg
2.64 Constantine: Arelate.AE3, 321, Arelate mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG / Laurel wreath enclosing VOT XX.
Mint mark: PA
3.26 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #228; PBCC #690; Sear #16205.
Callimachus
20c-Constantine-Nic-043.jpg
2.67 Constantine: Nicomedia.AE3, 321-324, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: IMP C FL VAL CONSTANTINVS P F AVG / Radiate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: IOVI CONSERVATORI / Jupiter standing, holding Victory; eagle at left, captive at right.
Mint mark: SMNB
2.83 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #43; PBCC #1004; Sear #15950.
Callimachus
20e-Constantine-Tic-167.jpg
2.70 Constantine: Ticinum.AE3, 322 - 325, Ticinium mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG / Laurel wreath enclosing VOT XX and crescent.
Mint mark: ST
2.69 gm., 18.5 mm.
RIC #167; PBCC #395; LRBC #479; Sear #16215.
Callimachus
20g-Constantine-Tre-368.jpg
2.73 Constantine: Treveri.AE3, 322 - 323, Treveri mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Helmeted bust of Constantine.
Reverse: BEATA TRANQVILLITAS / Globe set on altar inscribed VOTIS XX.
Mint mark: . PTR .
3.95 gm., 19 mm.
RIC #368; PBCC #212; Sear #16177.
Callimachus
20i-Constantine-Lug-214.jpg
2.76 Constantine: Lugdunum.AE3, 323 - 324, Lugdunum mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA / Victory advancing, holding trophy and branch, captive seated on ground at right. C in left field.
Mint mark: PLG (crescent)
2.62 gm., 21 mm.
RIC #214; PBCC #318; Sear #16282.
Callimachus
20k-Constantine-Sir-048.jpg
2.79 Constantine: Sirmium.AE3, 324 - 325, Sirmium mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: SARMATIA DEVICTA / Victory advancing, holding trophy and branch, captive seated on ground at right.
Mint mark: SIRM
2.83 gm., 18.5 mm.
RIC #48; PBCC #802; Sear #16286.
Callimachus
24a-Constantine-Lon-293.jpg
2.82 Constantine: London.AE3, 324 - 325, Londinium mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Laureate bust of Constantine.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE AVGG / Camp gate with two turrets, star above.
Mint mark: PLON
2.68 gm., 19.5 mm.
RIC #293; LRBC #2; Sear #16237.
1 commentsCallimachus
24c-Constantine-Her-070.jpg
2.85 Constantine: Heraclea.AE3, 325 - 326, Heraclea mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG / Laurel wreath enclosing VOT XXX.
Mint mark: SMHB
3.38 gm., 18 mm.
RIC #70; LRBC #866; Sear #16229.
Callimachus
24e-Constantine-Her-092.jpg
2.88 Constantine: Heraclea.AE3, 327 - 329, Heraclea mint.
Obverse: CONSANTINVS AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine, "Eyes to God."
Reverse: D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG / Laurel wreath enclosing VOT XXX.
Mint mark: .SMHB
3.42 gm., 18.5 mm.
RIC #92; LRBC #887; Sear #16231.

Eusebius stated that Constantine had himself depicted in the attitude of prayer on his coins. Since early Christians prayed looking up to Heaven, this obverse portrait is the one which Eusebius saw. Thus the phrase "Eyes to God" became associated with this portrait. We have no proof that Eusebius' statement is true; indeed the portrait could have been based on the way various Hellenistic kings portrayed themselves on their own coins. However, Eusebius' statement likely reflected the popular opinion of his time.

The "Eyes to God" portrait was used intermittently on gold and silver coinages from 324 to 337. It's use on the bronze coinage is limited to just three mints: Constantinople (Daphne coinage, 328), Cyzicus (Campgate coinage 328-29), and Heraclea (VOT XXX coinage, 325-26, 327-329).
Callimachus
24g-Constantine-Nic-153.jpg
2.91 Constantine: Nicomedia.AE3, 328 - 329, Nicomedia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: PROVIDENTIAE AVGG / Camp gate with two turrets, star above.
Mint mark: SMNS
2.63 gm., 17.5 mm.
RIC #153; LRBC #1107; Sear #16260.
Callimachus
24i-Constantine-Con-038.jpg
2.94 Constantine: Constantinople.AE3, 328 - 329, Constantinople mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: CONSTANTINIANA DAFNE / Victory seated, holding palm branch, in each hand, trophy and kneeling captive in front. B in left field.
Mint mark: CONS*
3.39 gm., 20 mm.
RIC #38; LRBC #1002; Sear #16192.

The traditional interpretation of this reverse type is that it commemorates the building of a fortress and bridge over the River Danube at Dafne (now called Oltenita, Romania). A different interpretation is more allegorical. Since this is the first coinage from the mint of a new Christian city, it is appropriate that it shows Constantine (represented by Victory/Dafne) turning away from the old gods (the captive and standard) to Christianity (palm branches).
Callimachus
30a-Constantine-Sis-235.jpg
2.97 Constantine: Siscia.AE3, 334 - 335, Siscia mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS / Two soldiers, each holding spear and shield, two standards between them.
Mint mark: . ASIS .
2.84 gm., 17.5 mm.
RIC #235; LRBC #747; Sear #16351A.
Callimachus
35a-Constantine-The-222.jpg
2.99 Constantine: Thessalonica.AE 3/4. 335 - 337, Thessalonica mint.
Obverse: CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG / Diademed bust of Constantine.
Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS / Two soldiers, each holding spear and shield, one standard between them.
Mint mark: SMTSA
1.52 gm., 17 mm.
RIC #222; LRBC #845; Sear #16369.
Callimachus
17796q00.jpg
4.0 Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine AV SolidusHeraclius
610-641
and his son Heraclius Constantine
613-641
Constantinople Mint
21.1 mm, 4.449 g
Sear 743. DO 20.
EF, with light flat areas

AU Solidus, minted between 626 and 629 CE at Constantinople
obv. dd NN hERACLIVS ET hERA CONST PP AV/. facing busts of Heraclius and his son Heraclius Constantine, cross above
rev. VICTORIA AVGU Q. cross potent on three steps, CoNoB in ex.
scarce officina
1 commentsEcgþeow
coin200.JPG
402. MaximianusMarcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus Herculius (c. 250 - July, 310), known in English as Maximian, was Roman Emperor (together with Diocletian) from March 1, 286 to 305.

Born to a poor family near Sirmium (city in Pannonia), Maximian made a career in the army until 285, when the new emperor Diocletian, a friend of his, made him caesar (sub-emperor) and the ruler of the western part of the empire. The next year Maximian became augustus next to Diocletian, and in 293, when Diocletian introduced the Tetrarchy, Constantius Chlorus became Maximian's caesar and married Maximian's daughter Flavia Maximiana Theodora.

During his reign, Maximianus had several military successes, against the Alemanni and Burgundians in northern Germany, against the Carpi on the Danube frontier and against Carausius, who had rebelled in Britain and declared himself emperor there. He also strengthened the frontier defenses in Africa.

On May 1, 305, Diocletian and Maximian retired together; it is clear that this was not a voluntary act of Maximian's, but that he was forced to do so by Diocletian. Galerius and Constantius Chlorus became the new emperors; Flavius Valerius Severus and Maximinus Daia became their caesars. When Constantius died the next year, Maximian's son Maxentius took the western emperorship, and named Maximian to be his augustus. Maximian resolved the conflicts around this emperorship by defeating Severus and Galerius in battle and bringing Constantius' son Constantine on his side by having Constantine marry his daughter Fausta.

However, in 308 Maximian rebelled against his own son, and marched upon Rome, but was beaten and forced to find refuge with Constantine in Gaul. In 310 he declared himself emperor for the third time, but was unable to defend himself against Constantine, who forced him to commit suicide.

For his own and his colleagues' victories, Maximian received the titles Germanicus Maximus V, Sarmaticus Maximus III, Armeniacus Maximus, Medicus Maximus, Adiabenicus Maximus, Persicus Maximus II, Carpicus Maximus, Britannicus Maximus.

Maximianus 286-305, Reform Follis - Siscia Mint
9.16g
Obv: Bust of Maximianus right "IMP MAXIMIANVS PF AVG"
Rev: Moneta standing left holding a scale and cornucopiae "SACRA MONET AVGG E CAESS NOSTR" "SIS" in the exergue.
RIC 134b
ecoli
helena.JPG
405a. HelenaFlavia Iulia Helena, also known as Saint Helena, Saint Helen, Helena Augusta, and Helena of Constantinople, (c.248 - c.329) was the first wife of Constantius Chlorus, and the mother of Emperor Constantine I. She is traditionally credited with finding the relics of the True Cross.

Many legends surround her. She was allegedly the daughter of an innkeeper. Her son Constantine renamed the city of Drepanum on the Gulf of Nicomedia as 'Helenopolis' in her honor, which led to later interpretions that Drepanum was her birthplace.

Constantius Chlorus divorced her (c.292) to marry the step-daughter of Maximian, Flavia Maximiana Theodora. Helena's son, Constantine, became emperor of the Roman Empire, and following his elevation she became a presence at the imperial court, and received the title Augusta.

She is considered by the Orthodox and Catholic churches as a saint, famed for her piety. Eusebius records the details of her pilgrimage to Palestine and other eastern provinces. She is traditionally credited (but not by Eusebius) with the finding of relics of the True Cross (q.v.), and finding the remains of the Three Wise Men, which currently reside in the Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral. Her feast day as a saint of the Orthodox Christian Church is celebrated with her son on May 21, the Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Equal to the Apostles. Her feast day in the Roman Catholic Church falls on August 18.

At least 25 sacred wells currently exist in Britain that were dedicated to her. She is also the patron saint of Colchester.

Helena Follis. FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust right / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Securitas standing left, holding branch in right hand; PTR(crescent) in ex.
1 commentsecoli
coin536.JPG
410. Licinius IFlavius Galerius Valerius Licinianus Licinius (c. 250 - 325) was Roman emperor from 308 to 324.

Of Dacian peasant origin, born in Moesia Superior, Licinius accompanied his close friend the Emperor Galerius on the Persian expedition in 297. After the death of Flavius Valerius Severus, Galerius elevated Licinius to the rank of Augustus in the West on November 11, 308. He received as his immediate command the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace and Pannonia.

On the death of Galerius, in May 311, Licinius shared the entire empire with Maximinus Daia, the Hellespont and the Bosporus being the dividing line.

In March 313 he married Flavia Julia Constantia, half-sister of Constantine, at Mediolanum (now Milan), the occasion for the jointly-issued "Edict of Milan" that restored confiscated properties to Christian congregations though it did not "Christianize" the Empire as is often assumed, although it did give Christians a better name in Rome. In the following month (April 30), Licinius inflicted a decisive defeat on Maximinus at Battle of Tzirallum, after Maximinus had tried attacking him. He then established himself master of the East, while his brother-in-law, Constantine, was supreme in the West.

In 314 his jealousy led him to encourage a treasonable enterprise in favor of Bassianus against Constantine. When his actions became known, a civil war ensued, in which he was first defeated at the battle of Cibalae in Pannonia (October 8, 314), and next some 2 years later (after naming Valerius Valens co-emperor) in the plain of Mardia (also known as Campus Ardiensis) in Thrace. The outward reconciliation left Licinius in possession of Thrace, Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt, but he later added numerous provinces to Constantine's control.

In 324 Constantine, tempted by the "advanced age and unpopular vices" of his colleague, again declared war against him, and, having defeated his army at the battle of Adrianople (July 3, 324), succeeded in shutting him up within the walls of Byzantium. The defeat of the superior fleet of Licinius by Flavius Julius Crispus, Constantine’s eldest son, compelled his withdrawal to Bithynia, where a last stand was made; the battle of Chrysopolis, near Chalcedon (September 18), resulted in his final submission. He was interned at Thessalonica under a kind of house arrest, but when he attempted to raise troops among the barbarians Constantine had him and his former co-emperor Martinianus assassinated.

O: IMP LICINIVS AVG; Emperor, facing left, wearing imperial mantle, holding mappa and globe.
R: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG; Jupiter standing left holding Victory; palm to left, epsilon in right field, SMN in exergue. Sear 3804, RIC Nicomedia 24 (Scarce), Failmezger #278. Remarkable detail on this nicely silvered Late Roman bronze, ex Crisp Collection.

ecoli
coin583.JPG
501. Constantine I Lyons SARMATIA DEVICTAConstantine I The Great Æ Follis struck 323/4 AD.
Laureate head right / SARMATIA DEVICTA,
Victory advancing right;
C/•PLCU.
Lyons RIC VII 222

In 322 AD, Constantine crushed a Sarmatian invasion of the
Balkans, an event marked by this coin type. During the action,
his army entered the Eastern territories of his co-Emperor
Licinius, which triggered a Civil War between East and West.
Constantine, as usual, was victorious and emerged as sole ruler
of the Roman Empire.

Ex-Varangian
ecoli
sear_472.jpg
AE decanummiun Tiberius II Constantine, SB 472Obverse: DM TIb CONSTANT PP AVG or similar, Crowned, cuir bust facing holding gl. cr.
Reverse: LArge I between two crosses all within wreath
Mint: Sicily per Hahn, Ravenna per Sear
Date: 578-582 CE
Sear 472 DO 66
14mm 2.61gm
wileyc
sb834yr725mm745g.jpg
AE follis Heraclius, SB 834 Obverse: Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, dd NN hERACLIVS ET hERA CON, Heraclius, on left and Heraclius Constantine on right, cross between their heads, each wearing crown and chlamys and each holding cross on globe
Reverse:Large M, ANNO to left, cross or chi-rho above, regnal year to right GI (7), officina letter below "delta" mintmark NIKO.
Mint: Nicomedia
Date: 616/7 CE
Sear 834
25mm, 7.45g
wileyc
sb_1636.jpg
AE follis Leo V SB 1636Obverse: Facing bust of Leo, with short beard, wearing crown and loros, and holding cross potent.
Reverse: KONCT, facing bust of Constantine, beardless, wearing crown and chlamys and holding gl. cr., on either side of head., C_I
Mint: Syracuse
Date:813-820 CE
SB 1636 DO 17
17mm 2.45gm
wileyc
sear_430.jpg
AE follis Tiberius II Constantine, SB 430Obverse: DM TIb CONSTANTANT PP AVI or similar, Crowned bust facing wearing consular robes, and holding mappa and eagle tipped sceptre above eagle, cross
Reverse: Large M, ANNO to l., cross above, regnal tr to l., GI (7), CON officina letter "gamma" to rt.
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 580/1 CE
Sear 430 DO 11-14
30mm 12.84
wileyc
sb430yr735mm1180g.jpg
AE follis Tiberius II Constantine, SB 430, yr 7Obverse: dM TIb CONSTANT PP AVG, crowned and mantled bust facing, holding mappa and eagle-tipped sceptre, cross above eagle .
Reverse: Large m, ANNO to left, cross above, regnal year GI right, mintmark CON and officina letter A
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 580/1 CE
SB 430
35mm, 11.80g
wileyc
sb43425mm584g.jpg
AE follis Tiberius II Constantine, SB 434Obverse:. DM TIB CONTANT PP AV, crowned and cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield.
Reverse:Large XX, cross above, mintmark CON, followed by officinae (delta)
Mint: Constantinople
Date: 578-582 CE
SB 435, MIB 29, DO 17
25mm, 5.84g
wileyc
DSC_s438.jpg
AE Pentanummium Tiberius II Constantine, SB 438Obverse: DM Tib CON PP (or similar), Diad., dr. and cuir. bust r.
Reverse: Large U
Mint: Constantinople
Date:578-582 AD
SB.438 DO 22
16mm 1.30 gm
wileyc
b13_alexius_III_angelus.jpg
Alexius III angelus-Comnenus. 1195-1203 AD. AE Trachy. Constantinople Obv. IC-XC to left and right of nimbate bust of Christ facing, right hand raised, holding scroll in left
Rev. Alexius, crowned, and St Constantine, nimbate, Alexius with five jeweled diagonal cross waist piece, each wearing three jeweled loros between six jeweled collar and waist piece , both standing facing, each holding a labarum and the two holding a cross on globe between them
Skyler
Alexius_III_Comnenus_SB_2011.jpg
Alexius III Comnenus SB 2011Alexius III Angelus Comnenus, 1195 - 1203 AD, Constantinople, BI Aspron Trachy, SB 2011,
OBV: IC-XC to left and right of Christ, nimbate, bust facing, right hand raised, holding scroll in left
REV: ALEZIOC DECP O KWNTANTI, Alexius, crowned, wearing loros, on left, holding labarum; St. Constantine,
nimbate, wearing loros, bearded, on right, holding labarum and holding cross on globe between them
SRukke
Alexius_III_Comnenus_SB_2011~0.jpg
Alexius III Comnenus SB 2011 Alexius III Angelus Comnenus, 1195 - 1203 AD, Constantinople, 4.45g, 30mm, BI Aspron Trachy, SB 2011,
OBV: IC-XC to left and right of Christ, nimbate, bust facing, right hand raised, holding scroll in left
REV: ALEZIOC DECP O KWNTANTI, Alexius, crowned, wearing loros, on left, holding labarum; St. Constantine,
nimbate, wearing loros, bearded, on right, holding labarum and holding cross on globe between them
SRukke
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