I bought about a dozen decent condition 4th century Bronzes a few years ago for a few dollars, they all came with ID of emperor and reverse type except for one. I have been trying to ID the coin for a while and came across some information that suggested 4th century coins with a left facing bust, and/or busts that are helmeted rather than bare headed are more rare. Seeing as I can't find any images that look similar to my coin, I figured I'd post some images of the coin if anyone can help me figure out what it is! The coin is almost exactly the same dimensions as a dime, both in diameter and thickness
It's the personification of Contantinople. The obverse inscription reads CONSTANTINOPOLIS. They were minted during the time of Constantine and his sons, to commemorate the city, after Constantine moved the capitol of the empire from Rome to Constantinople. The reverse is the goddess Victory on the prow of a ship. The mint mark is Siscia.
The type is a very common Constantiopolis commemorative from the 330s. . BSIS . in the exergue makes it RIC VII Siscia 241, 334-335, very common C3.
Is this an uncommon coin or were these fairly common at the time (roughly mid 4th century if I'm not mistaken)?
These are very common (but very historic) coins.... here is my example: A.D. 332-3 (struck under Constantine the Great) 18mm 2.38gm Obv. CONSTAN-TINOPOLIS laureate, helmeted, wearing imperial mantle, holding scepter. Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield. in ex. TR •P RIC VII Trier 543
As usual for the LRBs, the western mints have scarcer coins. If you stick with collecting these interesting and affordable coins, this will help you pick better coins.
It's a historically interesting coin, celebrating the naval victory of Constantine and Crispus over Licinius, resulting in their capture of Byzantium. Read more about it here at this educational website operated by our own @Victor_Clark !
