© Mister Brick
© Mister Brick
Nummus - Constantinus I IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG / SOLI INVICTO COMITI, S/F, PLN; Londinium
| Bronze | 3 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Constantinus) (306-337) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 313-314 |
| Value | Nummus / Follis (¼) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#124675 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 83% |
Reverse
Sol radiate, standing left, nude but chlamys over left shoulder, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Letters across fields.
Mintmark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SOLI INVICTO COMITI
SF
PLN
Unabridged legend: Soli Invicto Comiti
Translation:
To his companion the invincible Sol.
London.
Comment
The cult of the unconquered sun god became very popular in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, maintaining close links with another religion that was enjoying great success at the same time, Mithraism. These religions were eventually replaced by Christianity, decriminalized by Constantine in 313.This type of coinage was subject to numerous variations, from different busts to different mint marks and legends. The London strikes of 313-314 (recognizable by the SF/PLN mark) correspond to the RIC references 5 to 20.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Emperor Constantine I, who is considered one of the most important figures in Roman history. He was the first Christian Roman emperor and is credited with establishing Christianity as the dominant religion of the empire. This coin was minted during his reign, which lasted from 306 to 337 AD, and it is a rare and valuable artifact for collectors and historians.
