Constantine I, 307-337 AD AE Follis, 2.1g, 17mm, 6h Trier Mint, 330-331 AD Obverse: CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG; Rosette diademed, draped, euirassed bust right. Reverse: GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, Two soldiers standing, facing each other, holding spear in outer hand, inner hand resting on shield set on ground, between them are two standards //TRS• Off centered on reverse. The obverse is too but barely noticeable. This coin is considered scarce for the Trier Mint for Constantine II and Constantius II but rate for Constantine I. Lovely and rich in color, with a strong strike.
Nice coin in great condition. Interesting how consistent the Trier obverse portraits of Constantine remained throughout his reign. Your coin is from near the end of his reign. This one is from near the beginning: Treveri (Trier) mint, A.D. 307 RIC 693b Obv: FL VAL CONSTANTINVS NOB C Rev: GENIO POPV-LI ROMANI - Genius, towered, with loins draped, holding patera and cornucopiae. PTR in exergue; S in left field, A in right. 29 x 27 mm, 6.9 g. Compare this similarity to the change seen is his portraits from, say, Ticinum. Early: Ticinum mint, A.D. 306 RIC 75 Obv: CONSTANTINVS NOB CAES Rev: VIRTVS AV-GG ET CAESS NN - Helmeted Mars, advancing right, with transverse spear and holding trophy over shoulder ST in exergue; • in left field 27mm, 10.6 g. Later: Ticinum mint, A.D. 326 RIC 198 Obv: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG Rev: D N CONSTANTINI MAX AVG - Campgate with two turrets; star above Q[crescent]T in exergue 20 mm, 3.4 g.
C. Nut, That's a very attractive portrait for a late issue . Pictured below are two early nummi of Constantine from the Trier Mint. The 1st one came from a CNG auction about 12 years ago, & the 2nd one came from a CNG auction about 2 years ago. Constantine I as Caesar, AD 306-309 (struck AD 306-early 307), Trier Mint, 1st Officina. AE Nummus: 9.50 gm, 26 mm, 7 h. RIC VI 666a. Rare. Ex White Mountain Collection. Constantine I as Caesar, AD 306-309 (struck c. summer AD 307), Trier Mint. AE Nummus: 8.73 gm, 29 mm, 6 h. RIC VI 719b. Ex CNG Inventory 774824 (July 2006). For comparison a late issue from the Trier Mint.
