11/2 Solidus - Constantine I EQVIS ROMANVS, Nicomedia

The 1½ solidus denomination was a rare ceremonial multiple, struck not for commerce but for imperial largesse — distributed as donativa to soldiers or officials on occasions such as imperial anniversaries or military victories. Constantine's use of Nicomedia as a key eastern mint reflects the city's administrative importance before Constantinople was formally dedicated in 330 AD, effectively rendering it redundant as an imperial capital almost immediately after these pieces were struck.

RIC VII 100 is a scarce type; multiples of the solidus in any form survive in small numbers precisely because recipients tended to hoard rather than spend them.