Constantine I, 307/310-337. Solidus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.21 g, 6 h), Nicomedia, July 335. CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG Rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Constantine I to right. Rev. VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG / SMNP Victory seated right on shield and cuirass, inscribing VOT / XXX on shield set on her left knee and supported by small cupid on the right. Depeyrot 44/2. RIC 180. A beautiful, well struck and very attractive coin. Extremely fine.


Constantine I celebrated his tricennalia on 25 July 335 with pomp and circumstance in his new capital Constantinopolis. The emperor was at the height of his power and had every right to be proud of his achievements, having defeated all of his domestic and barbarian foes in three decades of fighting and reunited the empire under his leadership. However, Constantine was also already 63 or 64 years old and his death, as it turned out, less than two years away, as he died on 22 May 337 amidst the preparations for a campaign against Persia.