Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 2
ancient classic artifacts coins numismatic roman greek
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Lot: 474
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ROMAN EMPIRE: Constantine I, the Great. AD 307-337.
Ceremonial AV aureus (5.42 gm).
ROMAN EMPIRE. Constantine I, the Great (AD 307-337).
Ceremonial gold aureus (5.42 gm). Trier, AD 315.
CONSTANTI-NVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust
right, seen from front / VICTORIBVS AVGG NN VOTIS,
Victory standing facing, holding wreath inscribed X /
XX, PTR in exergue. RIC 9 (2 specimens). Cohen 653 (400
Fr.). Gnecchi I, 60. Calic・5194b (this coin). Very
rare, perhaps only the third known specimen: RIC lists
two examples with these types, one in the BM and the
other at Oxford (ex Trau 3941). The same reverse type is
also paired with a head-only portrait type (RIC 10).
Good extremely fine
The reverse legend may be translated, "Decennalian vows
have been celebrated, and vicennalian vows undertaken,
while our emperors remain victorious." The date, then,
should be after the start of Constantine's tenth year of
rule on 25 July 315. Constantine still recognizes
Licinius, but later coins celebrating the same vows
change AVGG to AVG only. Constantine no longer
recognizes Licinius; the civil war of 316 is impending
(see RIC, note on p. 164).
Estimated Value: $ 15,000
...Sold for $13,500 USD [ approx 10260 EUR, 7155 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).