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Nummus - Helena Star within wreath, Thessalonica
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint, Thessalonica |
|---|---|
| Year | 318-319 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | An eight-rayed star is depicted at the centre of the field, enclosed within a finely rendered laurel wreath tied at the base. A pellet or small circular motif is visible at the apex of the wreath, and a mint mark appears in the exergue, consistent with the Thessalonica mint issues of RIC VII 50. The reverse is entirely devoid of legend, the wreath and star forming the sole decorative programme. The composition is symmetrical and emblematic, reflecting the celestial symbolism common to Constantinian coinage. |
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| Additional information |
Helena's elevation to Augusta came only after her son Constantine had consolidated power — and even then, her coinage was issued intermittently and across a limited range of mints. Thessalonica struck for her during a politically charged window when Constantine was actively cultivating dynastic imagery following his defeat of Licinius's ally Maximinus Daia. The mint mark for this issue, TSΔ or its variant, places it in the fourth officina of the Thessalonian workshop.