Lot 2269
Constantine I. Gold Solidus (4.49 g), AD 307/10-337. Nicomedia, AD 324/5. Diademed head of Constantine I right, gazing upward. Reverse: CONSTANTINVS AVG, Victory seated left, holding small Victory and cornucopie; behind seated, shield set on ground; SMN. RIC 70; Depeyrot 34/1. Rare. NGC grade Ch AU; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimate Value $20,000 - 25,000
From the Dr. Patrick Tan Collection. Ex 51 Gallery (2 December 2013), 233; Leu 7 (9 May 1973), 437.
The obverse portrait of Constantine can also be seen to reflect the epoch-making events of AD 317. Thanks to his victories, Constantine no longer had to share imperial power with anyone, but could rule unfettered in his own right. To advertise this development, the emperor appears differently than usual. He is now depicted with an elevated gaze and wearing a plain diadem, rather than the usual pearl diadem or laurel wreath that he wore at other times in his imperial career. Both the gaze and the plain diadem are intended to cast him as a latter-day Alexander the Great, who wore a plan diadem and was known for tilting his head.
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