Roman Empire: Constantine I "the Great" (AD 307-337) AE Follis

Roman Empire: Constantine I "the Great" (AD 307-337) AE Follis

Nicomedia Mint, Struck AD 324-328

Obverse: CONSTAN-TINVS AVG. Laureate head of Constantine I right, draped and cuirassed bust.

Reverse: PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG. Camp gate with two turrets, star above, no doors. Mintmark SMNS in exergue, A in right field.

Reference: RIC VII Nicomedia 153

Condition: Near Extremely Fine. Well-centered strike with full legends. Attractive dark brown patina with smooth surfaces. Sharp portrait and camp gate detail. Minor areas of light roughness, but no corrosion or cleaning. Excellent eye appeal for type.

Size: ∼20mm, 2.8 g

Historical Note: The "camp gate" reverse was issued across the empire celebrating the stability and military security Constantine brought after defeating Licinius in 324 AD. This Providence of the Emperors type was one of the most widely circulated bronze coins of the 4th century. Struck at Nicomedia, modern İzmit, Turkey, one of the principal eastern mints.