Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 2
ancient classic artifacts coins numismatic roman greek
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Lot: 475
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ROMAN EMPIRE: Constantine I, the Great. AD 307-337. AR
dedication medallion (16.65 gm).
ROMAN EMPIRE. Constantine I, the Great (AD 307-337).
Silver dedication medallion (16.65 gm). Constantinople,
11 May AD 330. Diademed head of Constantine right / D N
CONSTANTINVS / MAX TRIVMF AVG, Constantinoplis seated
right, head front, holding cornucopia, left foot on
ship, MCONSQ in exergue. Gnecchi 11-13 var. Cohen
135-136 (300 Fr.) var. Extremely rare: apparently only
the ninth specimen known, and the first attested from
officina Q (= 9). Fine/fine plus
This medallion is remarkable for its anepigraphic
obverse and the title Triumfator, "the Triumphant,"
accorded to Constantine by the reverse legend. Such
Constantinopolis medallions and the two recently
discovered parallel pieces depicting Roma are the only
silver medallions of this size and thickness known from
Constantine's reign. Their weight, fabric, and legend
convention all suggest an homage to the Hellenistic
royal tetradrachm, perhaps inspired by the fact that
Constantine the Great had located his new capital in the
heartland of the old Hellenistic kingdoms. This
medallion quite probably was given out by, or in the
presence of, Constantine himself at the dedication
ceremony of the city of Constantinople on 11 May AD 330.
Estimated Value: $ 9,000
...Sold for $6,000 USD [ approx 4560 EUR, 3180 GBP ] plus 15% buyers fee.
Gemini I Auction Closed Jan 11-12, 2005.
Re-used by permission of Freeman & Sear (www.freemanandsear.com)
and Harlan J Berk (www.harlanjberk.com).