Buy The Roman AE of Constantinopolis (AD 330-346) NGC (VF) Online!
Step into the fascinating world of Constantinople's founding with a rare Roman AE coin depicting the goddess Constantinopolis herself!
In the year 330, Constantine the Great-established a city on the Bosporus, what had been a sleepy town called Byzantium. He christened the new city, New Rome, but it came to be known as the City of Constantine—Constantinople. Constantinopolis, as it was known at the time, was also the name given to the deity—the pagan goddess who was appointed to protect the new city. From 330 to 340 AD, Constantine and his sons struck a coin commemorating the founding of the city, as well as the goddess. The portrait shows her helmeted bust dressed in military garb, carrying a spear, surrounded by her name.- -The coin’s reverse shows the goddess Victoria, inspired by Nike in Greek mythology. But she looks somewhat different. The reverse of the coin is shown on the front of the holder. Why? There is a reason for this. In 312 AD, Constantine began the process of converting the official religion of the Roman Empire to Christianity, but still needed to transition the population from traditional paganism. One of the effects of this was the evolving design of the image of Victoria, who gradually, over the years morphed into the image of a ”Guardian Angel.“
Details of This Collection:
- Historical Significance: Minted during the era of Constantine the Great, these coins honor the goddess Constantinopolis, symbolizing the grandeur and strategic importance of the new city, Constantinople.
- Symbolism and Design: The obverse portrays the helmeted bust of Constantinopolis in military attire, carrying a spear—an embodiment of the city's protective deity. The reverse features Victoria, inspired by Greek mythology's Nike, evolving into the image of a "Guardian Angel" over time as Christianity gained prominence.
- Condition and Certification: Each coin is authenticated and graded by NGC as VF (Very Fine), ensuring its authenticity and quality preservation over centuries.
Why Collect These Rare Coins?
- Cultural and Religious Evolution: Witness the transition from pagan symbolism to Christian imagery through these coins, reflecting the transformative period under Constantine's rule.
- Historical Legacy: Own a tangible piece of Constantinople's founding, a city that became a beacon of Byzantine culture and power for centuries.
Constantinople AE Coin Highlights:
- Founding Legacy: Minted to commemorate the establishment of Constantinople by Constantine the Great, showcasing the city's strategic importance and symbolic significance.
- Evolution of Victoria: Trace the evolution of the goddess Victoria into a Christian "Guardian Angel," reflecting the changing religious landscape under Constantine's reign.
- Ideal for Collectors: Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to ancient numismatics, these coins provide a captivating look into the intersection of politics, religion, and culture in the Roman Empire.
Learn more about: Roman AE of Diocletian (AD284-305) NGC (F), Roman AE of Licinius 1st (AD 308-324) NGC (VF), Roman AE3 of Crispus (AD 304-326) NGC (F), Roman Centenionalis Constantius II Gladiator Mini (C), Roman Silver Antoninianus of Gordian III (AD 238-244) NGC (AU).
