Lot 4219
Constantine I, the Great, AD 307-337. Gold Solidus (4.3g) minted at Nicomedia, AD 335. Anepigraphic. Rosette-diademed head of Constantine right, his eyes uplifted. Reverse: VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG. Victoria (Victory) seated right on shield and cuirass, inscribing VOT / XXX on shield held by Genius; in exergue, SMNC. Sear 15758; Depeyrot 44/1; RIC 175. Old faint hairline on neck. The reverse legends are nice and sharp. Evocative portraiture, well struck and perfectly centered. Very rare. Lustrous. Extremely Fine.
Although the depiction of Constantine is perceived to subscribe to a Christian ideal, its iconography is derived from Alexander the Great portraits. During Constantine's time it was likely appealing to both followers of the new religion as well as followers of the old religions. The contemporary polemicist and historian Eusebius called the attribute of the upward gaze on Constantine's gold coins, a posture of prayer to God. The emperor's "pagan" subjects, though, would have picked up the coin and have been cheered by its Hellenistic antecedents.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 16,000.
The Hunter Collection; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts XXII, 1 June 1989, lot 131; Caruso Collection, 28 June 1923, lot 563.
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| Realized $16,675 |
