© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Nummus - Constantinus I SOLI INVICTO COMITI; Rome
| Bronze | 3.4 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Licinius I (308-324) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 315-316 |
| Value | Nummus (1⁄7200) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#131497 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, chlamys draped across left shoulder, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SOLI INVICTO COMITI
C / S
RQ
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the first Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, on its reverse side. The Chi-Rho is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek word "Christos" (Χριστός), which means "Christ" or "anointed one." This symbol was used by early Christians to secretly identify themselves and mark their places of worship, as Christianity was still a persecuted religion at the time. The inclusion of the Chi-Rho on this coin indicates that Emperor Constantine, who ruled from 306 to 337 AD, was a Christian and wanted to promote his faith through his coinage. This coin is a rare and valuable example of early Christian iconography and is highly sought after by collectors and historians.
