Obverse:
Laureate and draped bust of Constantine I
left, holding mappa in right hand and globe
with scepter in left hand. Text around IMP
CONSTA-NTINVS AVG.
Reverse:
A square military gate guarded by three soldiers.
Text around PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG, MHTB below.
History:
Constantine became a Roman Emperor in 306.
Between 312 and 324 there was great unrest
in the Roman Empire. Constantine conquered
Northern Italy and Rome to become Western
Augustus in 312. He then set on gain control
of the eastern half of the Roman Empire ruled
by Licinius. A number of wars took place climaxing
in the great civil war of 324 of which Constantine
was victorious and became sole emperor of
the entire Roman Empire. Constantine died
in 337 and was succeeded by his three sons.
The reverse image suggested public security
during a time of unrest.
Date:
Heraclea mint struck around 317 AD
Diameter:
1.9cm
