Constantinopolis Commemorative, AE3 / Nummus, circa 330-335 AD

Constantinopolis Commemorative, AE3 / Nummus, circa 330-335 AD

Obverse: CONSTANTINOPOLIS

Helmeted, laureate bust of Constantinopolis left, wearing imperial mantle and holding reversed spear or scepter over shoulder. Crested helmet with pearl diadem.

Reverse: Victory standing left on prow of a galley, holding spear and resting hand on shield. No reverse legend, mint mark in exergue. Yours looks like TRS, so Trier mint.

Reference: RIC VII Trier 530-543, LRBC 66

Context

Constantine I founded Constantinople in 330 AD as the new capital of the empire. To commemorate it, the mint issued this special bronze alongside the VRBS ROMA type for Rome. The obverse is not an emperor, but the personification of the city itself in a helmet. The reverse Victory on a prow symbolizes naval victory and prosperity of the new city. They were struck in huge numbers from 330 to about 340 under Constantine and his sons, so it's a very popular and historic collector type.