Roman Helena "Saint" (Struck 325-326 AD) AE 17.9mm 1.76gm Follis, Heraclea Mint

Helena (Struck 325-326 AD) AE 17.9mm 1.76gm Follis, Heraclea Mint

Obv: FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and mantled bust right

Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Securitas standing left, lowering branch with right hand, raising hem of robe with left hand. Mintmark SMHΔ.

Ref: RIC 79 Δ Heraclea, Sear 16613

Roman Helena “Saint” Mother of Constantine “The Great”

Saint Helena (Flavia Julia Helena) was a Roman Empress (Augusta) and the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. Born around AD 246-248 in Bithynia (modern-day Turkey) to a humble family, she rose to become one of the most influential women in early Christian history. Helena was the partner or wife of Constantius Chlorus, who later separated from her for political reasons. When their son Constantine became emperor in AD 306, he restored her status and granted her the title of Augusta.

Helena embraced Christianity later in life and used her wealth and influence to support the poor, free prisoners, and fund charitable works throughout the empire. Near the age of 80, she undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Christian tradition credits her with overseeing excavations that led to the discovery of the True Cross, believed to be the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. She also sponsored the construction of major churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Helena died around AD 328-330 and was buried in Rome. Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, she is honored as the patron saint of archaeologists, converts, new discoveries, and those facing difficult marriages. Her Western feast day is celebrated on August 18.

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