Roman Empire – Constantine I the Great (AD 307/310–337) Æ Follis
Mint: Antioch
Struck: AD 325–326
Reference: RIC VII Antioch 63
Weight: 2.91 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Condition: Very Fine (VF)
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance, Protective Display Capsule
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⚔️ Obverse
Legend: CONSTANTINVS AVG
Description: Laureate bust of Emperor Constantine I, facing right — symbolizing power and stability during his reign as sole Augustus of the Roman Empire.
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🏰 Reverse
Legend: PROVIDENTIAE AVGG
Description: A detailed camp gate with two turrets, crowned by a star above — an emblem of military strength, organization, and divine protection over the emperors.
Mintmark: SMANTA — denoting the Antioch mint.
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📜 Historical Context
This coin was issued during a critical period of consolidation and religious transformation in the Roman Empire, under the rule of Constantine the Great — best known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, and for founding Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
The camp gate motif, a popular reverse type, symbolized the defensive strength of the empire and Constantine’s role in securing the frontiers. The presence of the star above the turrets adds a celestial aspect, possibly implying divine guidance or favor.
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🧾 Special Features
This coin comes with:
✅ A Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, confirming its legitimacy and ancient origin.
✅ A clear protective capsule, ideal for safe display or long-term archival storage.