Constantine I, 307/310-337. Solidus (Gold, 19 mm, 4.36 g, 12 h), Siscia, 317. CONSTAN-TINVS P F AVG Laureate head of Constantine I to right. Rev. VIRTVS EX-ER-CITVS GALL / SIS Mars advancing right, holding spear pointing forward in his right hand and trophy over his left shoulder; to left and right, two seated captives, one in attitude of mourning and the other bound and looking up at Mars. Depeyrot 19/2. RIC 29. Very rare and with a bold and impressive portrait. Edge filed and with traces of mounting, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This very rare solidus was minted in 317 in Siscia and commemorates the bravery of the Gallic army, which, five years earlier, had not only secured a victory over Maxentius, but had now also ensured Constantine's triumph over Licinius I. It thus serves as a programmatic expression of gratitude from the victorious emperor to his troops, not long after the mint of Siscia had come under his control.