CONSTANTINE I. 307-337 AD. ﾆ Follis (2.97 gm). Struck 37 AD.
Constantinople mint. CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG, laureate head right / SPES
PVBLIC across field, labarum, with three medallions on drapery and crowned
by a christogram, spearing serpent. RIC VII 19. EF, green patina.
Extremely rare. [See color plate 14] ($3000) According to RIC, this famous
reverse type represents the defeat of tyranny by the death of Licinius.
Yet, the scene also has powerful Christian imagery in that it
allegorically portrays the power of Christianity over evil.
Triton V Sale, 16 Jan 2002, lot 2169.
Lot sold for $3500, plus buyers fees.
By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.