Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Genius holding patera and cornucopiae standing left with altar at feet, PLG in exergue

Lyon

RCV15921; 27mm, 8.15g

This coin comes with a previous printed collector’s label.

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

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Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Mars in military attire resting on spear & shield, star in left field, PLN in exergue

RCV15977; 24mm, 5.35g

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate, veiled and cuirassed bust right / Eagles to either side of altar, PLN in exergue

London

RCV16419; 25mm, 7.53g

This coin comes with a previous collector’s label.

The post Divo Constantius AD 305-306 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate and cuirassed bust right holding eagle tipped sceptre / Globe on altar. PLON in exergue

London

RCV16170; 20mm, 3.17g

This coin comes with a previous collector’s label.

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate bust left wearing consular robes and holding eagle tipped sceptre / Globe on altar. PLON in exergue

London

RCV16172; 19mm, 3.14g

This coin comes with a previous collector’s label.

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Helmeted and cuirassed bust left / Globe on altar

London

RCV16171 var; 19mm, 3.50g

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Genius wearing modius standing left and holding patera and cornucopiae. No mintmark

London

RCV13237; 27mm, 9.39g

This coin comes with a previous collector’s label.

Maximian was of humble birth but went on to achieve a distinguished military career. He established a close friendship with Diocletian which resulted him being appointed Caesar shortly after Diocletian became emperor. In AD 286 he was elevated to co- emperor and given the task of subduing rebellions in Gaul and later in expelling a German invasion. Basing himself in Milan Maximian was responsible for much of the western empire including Britain. In AD 286 there was an uprising led by Carausius who had been commander of the Roman fleet which was based in the Channel.
Fearing arrest Carausius moved to Britain where he declared himself to be an independent ruler. Due to his skill Carausius to maintain himself until his death in AD 293 even inflicting a defeat on Maximian AD 289. The independent British Empire was only brought an end in AD296 when the western Caesar Constantius invaded Britain and defeated Allectus who had succeeded Carausius.
Maximian achieved more success campaigning on the Rhine and later Spain and North Africa. Returning to Rome Maximian celebrated a triumph. When Diocletian abdicated in AD 305 Maximian also abdicated and retired. When the death of Constantius created a crisis in the Tetrachy Maximian was invited to become Augustus for the second time after his son Maxentius had rebelled against Severus. Severus was defeated and executed however when Maximian rebelled after his son had been declared a public enemy he was forced to abdicate for a second time.
Maximian allied himself to the future emperor Constantine when Constantine married his daughter Fausta. In AD 310 when Constantine, now emperor, went to campaign on the Rhine, Maximian rebelled again in a final bid for imperial power. The uprising was short lived as when Constanine returned he laid siege to Massilia where Maximian had taken refuge. There Maximian committed suicide.
Maximian is unique among the Roman emperors in having three separate reigns.

The post Maximian AD 286-305 1st reign Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Sol standing left holding globe in lft hand and raising right hand

S-F in field

London

RCV16050; 19mm, 3.12g

Comes with previous collectors handwritten label

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis Reduced London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Sol standing left holding globe in left hand and with right hand raised

T-F in field

London

RCV16046; 23mm, 5.04g

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Sol standing left holding globe in left hand and with right hand raised

Star in field

London

RCV16048; 22mm, 4.39g

The reign of Constantine marked one of the great turning points in Roman history. Born around AD 272 the son of Constantius Constantine claimed that he was descended from Claudius Gothicus (AD 268-270) although this is unlikely to be true.
Taking a military career Constantine was appointed a tribune to Diocletian following the elevation of his father to Augustus. Joining his father on a military expedition to Britain upon the sudden death of Constantius in York in AD 306 Constantine was proclaimed by his troops, as Caesar under Severus. Initially his position was he weak however after Severus fell he cemented his position with Maximian was strengthened through the marriage to Fausta who was the daughter of Maximian also sister to Maxentius.
Becoming Augustus, the high handed elevation of Licinius to Augustus by Galerius created a rift. Deciding it was time to eliminate his brother in law, Maxentius, he invaded Italy in AD 312 winning the Battle of Milivian Bridge where Maxentius was killed. It was on the evening before this battle that Constantine had his vision of the cross. Whether this is true Constantine’s religious policy was certainly revolutionized thereafter leading to a rapid demise of the old pagan gods and the rise of Christianity.
Although Constantine remained co emperor with Licinius for a further decade in AD 324 he invaded Thrace on the pretext of repelling Gothic invaders. Licinius moved to confront him but was defeated in 2 battles and forced to abdicate. Constantine then became the sole Augustus for the first time since Diocletian.
In AD 325 Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea where Christianity was formally declared to be the religion of the empire. Around this time Constantine decided to found a new imperial capital in the east where Constantinopolis was formally designated in AD 330. This city later became Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine empire.
Constantine had four sons as well as two daughters. Crispus was probably the most able and although elevated to Caesar was found to be guilty of treason and was executed in AD 326. His three remaining sons were also elevated to Caesar and all later became Augustus in their own right. Constantine died suddenly and unexpectedly in AD 337.
The coinage of Constantine is complex with radical changes being made early in his reign when the gold aureus as replaced by the lighter gold solidus. Constantine also abandoned the silver argenteus replacing it with the siliqua. The bronze follis was also reduced in size with various fractions also being produced although these are mostly quite rare.

The post Constantine I AD 307-337 Bronze Follis London appeared first on Silbury Coins.