Freeman & Sear - Gemini I, Session 2

Lot: 475

(click on image to enlarge)
ROMAN EMPIRE: Constantine I, the Great. AD 307-337. AR 
dedication medallion (16.65 gm).

ROMAN EMPIRE. Constantine I, the Great (AD 307-337). 
Silver dedication medallion (16.65 gm). Constantinople, 
11 May AD 330. Diademed head of Constantine right / D N 
CONSTANTINVS / MAX TRIVMF AVG, Constantinoplis seated 
right, head front, holding cornucopia, left foot on 
ship, MCONSQ in exergue. Gnecchi 11-13 var. Cohen 
135-136 (300 Fr.) var. Extremely rare: apparently only 
the ninth specimen known, and the first attested from 
officina Q (= 9). Fine/fine plus 

This medallion is remarkable for its anepigraphic 
obverse and the title Triumfator, "the Triumphant," 
accorded to Constantine by the reverse legend. Such 
Constantinopolis medallions and the two recently 
discovered parallel pieces depicting Roma are the only 
silver medallions of this size and thickness known from 
Constantine's reign. Their weight, fabric, and legend 
convention all suggest an homage to the Hellenistic 
royal tetradrachm, perhaps inspired by the fact that 
Constantine the Great had located his new capital in the 
heartland of the old Hellenistic kingdoms. This 
medallion quite probably was given out by, or in the 
presence of, Constantine himself at the dedication 
ceremony of the city of Constantinople on 11 May AD 330. 

Estimated Value: $ 9,000 

...Sold for $6,000 USD [ approx 4560 EUR, 3180 GBP ] plus 15% buyers fee. 

Gemini I Auction Closed Jan 11-12, 2005. 

Re-used by permission of Freeman & Sear (www.freemanandsear.com) 
          and Harlan J Berk (www.harlanjberk.com).