Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Lot 3582    SESSION 18 (2.30PM FRIDAY 1ST APRIL)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Estimate $100
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $60

CONSTANTINE AND FAMILY, Commemorative Series, issued (330-354), AE 14mm, (1.06 g), special issue for the dedication of the newly expanded city of Constantinople, Constantinople mint, 4th officina. Struck under Constantine I, issued in 330, obv. POP ROMANVS, laureate and draped bust of Genius of the Roman People left, cornucopia over shoulder, rev. Milvian Bridge with tower at each end over flowing water of the Tiber River, CONS/**D* above bridge, (S.-, RIC VIII 21; LRBC 1066; Vagi 3043). Harshly cleaned, some pitting, otherwise fine and rare.

Ex Hans Ferdinand Collection, previously from Downie's Classical Coinage No.15, November 4, 1985.

The reverse depicts the famed Milvian Bridge which carried the Via Flaminia over the Tiber, outside Rome, where Maxentius made his stand against Constantine's forces in October of AD 312. Tradition holds that it was prior to this battle that Constantine had a vision that would lead to both his victory over Maxentius and eventually his conversion to Christianity.