Helena. AE 4

Helena; Trier, 337-340 AD, AE 4, 1.51g. Probably RIC-90 (C2). Obv: FL IVL HE - LENAE AVG Bust r. Rx: PA - X PV - BLICA Pax standing l. holding branch and transverse scepter, Trier mintmark in exergue is off flan. Pax's laurel branch extending between the letters A and X of the reverse legend is characteristic of Trier, according to Bruck, p. 49. Helena, mother of Constantine I, had died in 328 or 329 AD. Her reappearance on the coinage with reverse Public Peace in 337-340 should be connected to the succession of her three grandchildren Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans in 337, after the assassination of Dalmatius, Hannibalianus, and other descendants of Constantine I's stepmother Theodora who were regarded as their potential rivals. See Kent, RIC VIII, pp. 7 and 33.. aVF