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Research Coins: The Coin Shop

 

Impressive Medallion Celebrating the Glory of the Romans

784744. Sold For $87500

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. AV Medallion of 2 Solidi (27mm, 9.07 g, 6h). Nicomedia mint. Struck AD 327. CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / GLORIA RO-MANORVM, Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; shield set on ground behind; SMN. RIC VII 133 var. (not draped and cuirassed); Gnecchi 31/32 (for obv./rev. types); Bastien, Donativa 80c and note 3. EF. Exceptional. Excessively rare. Apparently presently unique.



Multiples of the basic gold denomination (initially the aureus, later the solidus) were produced regularly in the Roman world from the time of Diocletian's tetrarchy onward. The coinage of Constantine the Great is especially rich in these spectacular pieces, the purpose of which would seem to have been gifts to dignitaries on state occasions. Constantine the Great issued a variety of reverse types indicating military victory. Among these is GLORIA ROMANORVM, meaning ‘the glory of the Romans,’ which might also carry an intentional ambiguity; namely, that Constantine considered himself to be ‘the glory of the Romans.’