I saw this coin at one of my favorite dealers this morning, and it was only a few bucks over the bargain bin coins, so I had to jump on it. Those of you that know the Constantine dynasty coins know that Theodora is scarce, and better grades will run you a few Franklins. I did a double-take when I saw it and thought, "this can't be right" - so I snagged it before anyone else could. I'll probably get an email from the dealer saying they sold it and just forgot to remove it from their inventory. Keep your fingers crossed for me...
Soooo ..... he had a wife !!!!! My Gawd, how did she ever escape an early demise ??? http://jaysromanhistory.com/romeweb/ladycont/art21.htm
She was Flavia Maximiana Theodora, the second wife of Constantius Chlorus. Constantius had already sired Constantine I by his first wife, Helena, when he married Theodora. The marriage was evidently a union meant to strengthen various political ties, but clearly Constantius liked her enough to sire six children by her. While the two of them were canoodling away, poor Helena found her consolation in religion, and was eventually canonized by the Catholic Church. Theodora died in 305, but history doesn't record how - I'm going to guess it had something to do with childbearing. I got an email today saying the order shipped, btw. This coin will make a great addition to my Constantine family tree of coins.
Many Theodoras are small flan and missing legends. This one is not all that bad. I hope you will be happy together.
Well, she arrived today, and I'm quite pleased. My own pic, although the seller's was a very faithful representation...
