The title of this thread is ambitious. According to Ralph Waldo Emerson "Without ambition one starts nothing" and Constantine lived up to his ambitions. In A.D. 313, a set of three fractional coins was issued from Rome and Trier for both Constantine and Licinius. These small coins were probably distributed to the citizens as part of the Imperial largesse. A few things may have possibly been referenced by these coins, but they obviously commemorated peace in the Empire. This time of peace was the culmination of many events—Constantine defeated Maxentius, Maximinus II ended his persecution of Christians before passing away, Constantine’s sister married Licinius and cemented peace between the two rulers, and in A.D. 313, Constantine and Licinius signed the Edict of Milan. The busts are also bare-headed, signifying a casual and relaxed tone. The FVNDAT and GLORIA coins are half-folles and the SAPIENT is a quarter-follis. This quarter follis is the smallest coin that Constantine issued. The owl on the SAPIENT coin had long been a symbol of wisdom through association with Minerva; but the owl was also a symbol of good luck. According to Zosimus, before Constantine fought Maxentius, “an infinite number of owls flew down and covered the wall.” Of course, the owls were bad luck for Maxentius! These coins are quite unusual in their small size and reverse messages. FVNDAT PACIS translates as the founder of peace, GLORIA PERPET means perpetual glory, and SAPIENTIA PRINCIPIS is wisdom of the Prince. “Limited series of fractional bronzes have a more personal tone, recalling, for example, the honorary epithets conferred upon the emperor.” piissimo ac fortissimo fundatori pacis et restitutori publicae libertatis "to the most pious and strongest founder of peace and restorer of public liberty" The edict of Milan talks about "public welfare and security" and the above inscription says that Constantine was the founder of peace and restorer of public liberty. So the FVNDAT coinage tied in nicely with the concept of peace for the public. Mars was the god of war, but he was also the peacemaker, because ironically, war does bring peace... eventually. There is also only one way to have peace... Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum -- "Therefore, whoever wishes for peace, let him prepare for war." In fact Mars was often depicted holding a symbol of peace-- the olive branch. As Mars and peace are two sides of the same coin (see what I did!), this coin with Mars on the reverse may have been, for the Romans, an easily recognizable and understood symbol for peace-- but a peace with an always implied promise for violence. The coin below is a plate coin in Mazzini MONETE IMPERIALE ROMANE (1957- 1958) which was the finest private collection of Roman coins with over 8000 coins. Constantine I Half follis 15mm 1.7g A.D. 313 IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; bare head right. FVNDAT PACIS; Mars advancing right with trophy over left shoulder, dragging captive. in ex. RT RIC VII Rome 12; Mazzini V, pl. XX, 157 (this coin) another ex-Mazzini; but not a plate coin. Constantine I A.D. 313 Half follis 18mm 1.3g IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; bare head right. GLORIA PERPET; Two victories advancing right, both holding wreath and palm frond, standard between them In ex. RS RIC VII Rome 14 ex Mazzini Constantine I A.D. 313 14mm 1.1gm quarter follis IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG; bare head right. SAPIENTIA PRINCIPIS; Altar with owl, spear across altar, shield to left and helmet to right. in ex. RS RIC VII Rome 16
