This isn't a new coin, but a new photograph coupled with an interpretation of the reverse design I discovered in a numismatic tract called "Constantine's Dafne Coinage at Constantinople," by R. S. Speck and Stephen M. Huston (1992). The authors of this booklet place these coins in their historical context and analyze the varieties quite thoroughly, giving the reader much more information than available in RIC. (I picked this up in the FORVM store for a mere $7, and I believe it's a must-have for anyone interested in Constantinian coinage.) I recently read Valentinian's page concerning Christian symbolism on Roman coins, found here, and discovered a fascinating type (RIC Constantinople 19), with a chi-rho topping a standard, planted in a serpent. The Christian symbolism in this design seems apparent to me. What was not apparent to me, until I read this analysis, was that the Dafne reverse type also evinces an overtly anti-pagan, pro-Christian message. Anyone even slightly familiar with Roman coin designs would have to ask, "Why should Daphne appear on a coin?" She is a very minor figure in Greek mythology, a Naiad, a nymph associated with bodies of freshwater. Her only claim to fame is that she resolutely rejected the advances of Apollo. But therein lies her importance on these coins. Apollo and Dafne by Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Barnini, source: Galeria Borghese. When Constantine first began rebuilding Byzantium in 326, as a memorial to his victories, there was no intention of moving the Roman capitol. Constantinople was simply rebuilt within its old, Severan walls. But by 328, the project was extended to eight times the size of the older city. Constantine systematically stripped Roman temples of their valuables and used them to adorn the new Christian city. In this context of anti-paganism, the representation of Daphne makes much more sense. "The coinage of this mint with CONSTANTINIANA DAFNE reverse was produced as the exclusive type for Constantine at this mint for more than the last two years before the city's dedication, but it was never produced elsewhere. Its special significance was admirably demonstrated by McGregor (SAN 1984) in his article Constantiniana Dafne - a different point of view. McGregor set out the religious significance of this reverse type - portraying Constantine as Dafne, turning away from the symbols of the pagan religion (Apollo and Sol) toward the palm, the symbol of Christianity." (Speck, Huston) These coins were only minted in Constantinopolis, and as such, constitute a local city issue. There are plenty of Roman provincial coins that were only meant to circulate locally, but are there any other instances of an imperial city coin? At any rate, it's one of the most beautiful and complex reverse types among LRB's, so let's see yours. Constantine I, 272-337 AE Follis: 19mm, 2.62g, 6h; Constantinople Mint: 328 Obv: CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG; Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: CONSTANTINIANA DAFNE; Dafne as Victory standing left on cippus holding palm branches, looking right, trophy in front, kneeling captive / A // CONS Reference: RIC VII, Constantinople 35 (p. 574) R3
Ive wanted an example but either lack of $ or something else kicks it out of the way for something else. The prices seem to be everywhere too. Nice writeup though. It is one of my favorite reverse types of this era.
Seven diadem variations occur on these coins, minted in seven officinae at the Constantinople mint, in addition to the fact that the mint mark CONS is sometimes followed by a dot. So you've got a theoretical 56 varieties, at least. There also exist the "eyes to heaven" portraits. Some of these varieties are seemingly quite rare, which would account for the disparity in prices. My coin is one of the most common, if you can call any of them common.
Ive seen other posts here or forvm regarding the different diadem types and of course ive seen the eyes to heaven. I would be content with any type of the reverse. I could afford one now but, as usual, have something else in my sights. More like an upgrade to a filler I have now.
Great new addition, JA ... and very cool statue (plus, the sweet write-up and the neat looking booklet) ... => keep-up the good work, Champ!!
This one came in an uncleaned lot when I first got into ancients. Thankfully I never finished cleaning it -_-
Nice! I would've missed this thread if not for Steve giving it a Spockbump. Interesting coin and great write up, JA. And now I want one too.
