Constantine I lived from 272-337 CE and was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. One of the four emperors of the Tetrarchy, he emerged victorious in the civil war to become sole ruler. He enacted many reforms to strengthen the Empire, including introducing the gold solidus coin that continued in use for over a millennium. One of the emperors with the most potent legacy of all, his capital at Constantinople endured as a Christian stronghold until the mid-15th century.

The release is one of IPZS’s ‘Roman Emperor’ series of three-gram 0.900 gold coins, with each side of the coin carrying a unique design. The obverse in this case features a reproduction of the head of a giant statue named ‘Colossus of Constantine’. Currently located in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, seat of the Musei Capitolini, it originally stood in the west apse of the Basilica of Maxentius near the Forum Romanum in Rome. The seated figure stood an impressive 12 metres tall, with even the head exceeding 2.5 metres, although most is now missing.

The reverse face depicts ‘Winged Victory’ a detail taken from the Arch of Constantin in Rome dedicated to this Roman Emperor to celebrate his victory over Massenzio in the Battle of Ponte Milvio. The Arch still stands in Rome today. It’s a decent showcasing of this pivotal emperor, although, as we said last time, the diameter of under 14 mm is a little disappointing for a three-gram coin. The €10 denominated piece designed by Uliana Pernazza has a mintage of 1,200 pieces and a pricetag of €200. Available from 25th April.

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