Constantine I 306-337 A.D.
Coin Description | Constantine I The Great, AE 17mm, Grade ??, There is a scratch mark about 1/3 from the top of the reverse beheading the soldiers (the patina extends into the scratch so it appears to be an old scratch), RBC 365, VM 93 |
Obverse | The portrait is of Constantine a diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing right. The legend reads CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG meaning: CONSTANTINVS (his name) MAX (Maximvs = The Greatest ofcourse meaning Constantine to be the highest ranking individual in the empire and his nickname) AVG Augustus which defines him as the emperor. The legend is broken which is a sign of the highest respect and signifies him as the senior Augustus |
Reverse | Two soldiers standing on either side of two military standards, each holding a spear and leaning on a shield. The legend reads GLORIA EXERCITVS which translates as "Glory of the Army" or "Glory to the Army". |
Mint | The exergue reads RBP which stands for Rome the Prima (first) officina.What the B in this mintmark stands for is sofar unclear to me and remains something to look into. |
The Entire Story | The entire story of this coin would read: Constantine the Great(est) Augustus who honors the army. |