Nomos AG
obolos 27 21 Mar 2023
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Commemorative Series, 330-354. 1/3 Siliqua (Silver, 12 mm, 1.12 g, 6 h), Constantinople, circa 330. Helmeted and draped bust of Roma to right. Rev. Large P. Bendall Type 2. Kent pl. 13, 29. RIC -. Vagi 3039. Attractively toned and a very handsome example. Extremely fine.
This anonymous issue, which was struck in Constantinople, is part of a considerable series of similar pieces that bear a variety of busts on their obverses; they have been given a variety of identifications – mostly as members of the House of Constantine. In fact, it now seems clear that this type, with P, represents the ancient capital of Rome, and was paired with others, with K, representing the newly founded city of Constantinople, and which showed a bust of Constantinopolis on the obverse. These ceremonial coins would have been tossed to the crowds during the festivities that took place when the city was dedicated in 330.
This anonymous issue, which was struck in Constantinople, is part of a considerable series of similar pieces that bear a variety of busts on their obverses; they have been given a variety of identifications – mostly as members of the House of Constantine. In fact, it now seems clear that this type, with P, represents the ancient capital of Rome, and was paired with others, with K, representing the newly founded city of Constantinople, and which showed a bust of Constantinopolis on the obverse. These ceremonial coins would have been tossed to the crowds during the festivities that took place when the city was dedicated in 330.