Helena, mother of Constantine I, was elevated to the rank of Augusta around 324 — the same year Constantine consolidated sole rule over the empire by defeating Licinius. Her coinage, including this nummus, was issued as a direct expression of that dynastic consolidation, advertising the stability of the new ruling house rather than any independent authority of her own. She died around 328–330, and mint production in her name ceased shortly after.
RIC VIII Constantinopolis #33 places this piece among the earliest issues from that mint after its formal establishment as an imperial capital.
Helena, mother of Constantine I, was elevated to the rank of Augusta around 324 — the same year Constantine consolidated sole rule over the empire by defeating Licinius. Her coinage, including this nummus, was issued as a direct expression of that dynastic consolidation, advertising the stability of the new ruling house rather than any independent authority of her own. She died around 328–330, and mint production in her name ceased shortly after.
RIC VIII Constantinopolis #33 places this piece among the earliest issues from that mint after its formal establishment as an imperial capital.