Lot 4507

Description

Constantine I, (A.D. 307-337), AE follis, issued mid 313-4, London Mint, (3.13 g), obv. laureate cuirassed bust to right, around IMP CONSTANTINVS [P] AVG, rev. radiate and draped bust of Sol to left, wreath in field, around SOLI INV IC TO COMITI, S - F across field, PLN in exergue, (S.16050, RIC 10, C.534); Commemorative series issued 330-335, AE follis, (2.82 g), obv. CONSTANTINOPOLIS around laureate head helmeted to left of Constantinopolis, holding sceptre, rev. SMANI in exergue, Victory advancing left on prow, holding sceptre and hand on shield, (S.16480, RIC 92, C.21). Chocolate patination, extremely fine; good very fine, first a very rare variety.

The first coin is an interesting example of a change of obverse legend to a new type by the removal of the P before AVG by using an old obverse die with a P being removed and making the P become a space with a trace of it remaining. The second coin was issued from the dedication of the new eastern capital of Constantinople in may 330.