Nummus - Constantinus I SOLI INVICTO COMITI, T-F, PLN, Londinium
| Uitgever | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 316-317 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Nummus / Follis (1/4) |
| Valuta | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Samenstelling | Bronze |
| Gewicht | 4.3 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | RIC VII#88, OCRE#ric.7.lon.88 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Bust of Constantine I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
IMP CONSTANTINVS P AVG (Translation: Supreme Commander Constantine I pious emperor.) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Sol, radiate, chlamys draped across left shoulder, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand. Letters across fields. Mintmark in exergue. |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
SOLI INVIC-TO COMITI T - F (Translation: To the unconquered Sun, minister [of the Emperor]. London.) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats |
PLN Londinium / Augusta, modern-day London, United Kingdom |
| Oplage |
ND (316-317) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1533566610 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
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Historical Context: This nummus, struck in Londinium (PLN) between 316 and 317 AD, belongs to the critical reign of Constantinus I, marking his consolidation of power after the Tetrarchy. The reverse legend, SOLI INVICTO COMITI (To the Unconquered Sun, Companion), underscores Constantine's reliance on the popular solar deity Sol Invictus. This pre-Christian religious syncretism was vital for military and public legitimacy, reflecting a transitional phase.
Artistry: The Londinium mint adhered to imperial stylistic conventions of the early 4th century. The obverse features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Constantinus I, rendered with hieratic gravitas emphasizing imperial authority. The reverse depicts Sol Invictus standing left, chlamys over his left shoulder, holding a globe and raising his right hand. Field marks T|F denote the officina and specific issue, with PLN in the exergue.
Technical/Grading: This bronze nummus, typically 4.3 grams and 23 millimeters, exhibits common characteristics for its denomination. High-points for wear on the obverse are usually Constantine's hair and nose; on the reverse, Sol's head, raised arm, and the globe. London mint issues are generally well-struck, though planchet quality varies, occasionally showing minor flan cracks. While centering is often good, full, sharp strikes across all devices can be elusive.