The Nicomedian mint was one of Constantine's favored production centers after his reorganization of imperial minting following the defeat of Licinius in 324 — the city had been Licinius's own capital, and its conversion to Constantinian output carried deliberate political weight. Gold medallions of this type were not struck for circulation; they functioned as imperial largesse, distributed to senior military officers and court officials at congiaria and on imperial anniversaries.
RIC VII Nicomedia 164 is a rare issue, consistent with the limited and targeted distribution these multiples received.
The Nicomedian mint was one of Constantine's favored production centers after his reorganization of imperial minting following the defeat of Licinius in 324 — the city had been Licinius's own capital, and its conversion to Constantinian output carried deliberate political weight. Gold medallions of this type were not struck for circulation; they functioned as imperial largesse, distributed to senior military officers and court officials at congiaria and on imperial anniversaries.
RIC VII Nicomedia 164 is a rare issue, consistent with the limited and targeted distribution these multiples received.