This coin, found in Eynsham in the 1930s, is an example of the commemorative coins released to mark the foundation of Constantinopolis, and to announce its authority in the Roman Empire. It is made of copper alloy and is approximately 15cm in diameter. On the front, it is impressed with a bust of the Emperor Constantine I (known as Constantine the Great), who ruled the Roman Empire from 307 CE to 337 CE.
On the front of the coin, Constantine is wearing a so-called laureate helmet, that is, one decorated with a laurel wreath. In the Roman Empire, the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory, and was worn by emperors to indicate their status, power and god-like status. The Emperor is also depicted wearing imperial robes, and he is holding a sceptre over his left shoulder, which symbolises his authority.
On the reverse of the coin, there is depicted a Winged Victory (the goddess Victory also represented victory, as the name suggests). The Victory has open wings, is facing left and standing with the right foot on the prow of a vessel, with the left hand resting on a shield.
In 330 CE, Constantine, who was the first Emperor to adopt the Christian faith, moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to the ancient city of Byzantium, because of its secure and strategic location. He renamed the city Constantinopolis, meaning ‘Constantine’s city’. It was also known as Constantinople. Today, it is the city of Istanbul, in Turkey.
One reply on “December 2024”
I look forward to the new displays next year