RIC VI Thessalonica 61b

312-131 C.E.

An AE3 of the Emperor Constantine I issued by Licinius

Coin, Jupiter, Victory, Eagle, Constantine I

Bethel University

Mikalah Pruss

POINT(2554782.31335 4958407.87595731)

Render unto Caesar Roman Coin Project

coin

jpeg photo

Latin

Thessalonica (Thessaloniki)

AE3

Licinius (308-324 A.D.)

Jupiter

Constantine I

Macedonia

Bronze

IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG

Bust of Constantine I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right

IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN

Jupiter, chlamys draped over left shoulder, standing front, head left, holding Victory on globe in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left hand; at feet to left, eagle holding wreath in beak

Constantine I was most likely born on February 27th 270 CE. There is much debate on the actual year, however 270 is the most agreed upon to this point. His father was Constantius I Chlorus who was Maximian’s Caesar in the west and part of the Tetrachy. During his father’s reign, he gained military influence. When Maximian and Dioclation stepped down it was expected that Constantine would fulfill his father’s place, but that didn’t happen. However, when his father died in 306 C.E. he took his place. This is where Maxentius began to hate Constantine because he did not believe that he deserved this role. During this time, Constantine was seen as illegitimate by some since his mother was a concubine to his father.
Constantine continued to gain victory in multiple civil wars between Maxentius and Licinius. Maxentius increasingly became his enemy and their final fight happened in 312 C.E. at the Milvian bridge. At this battle Constantine did not have all of his troops, however he still came out victorious, showing his military power. This win granted him power over the entire west and he became the sole ruler form 323-337 C.E. After his win, he built a triumphal arch to display his victory.
His reign is known for two major reasons; the impact of his reign on Christianity and his creation of Constantinople. For the first time in Empires history the capital was not in Rome it was moved to Byzantium. It was named Constantinople, after himself in 330 C.E. Rome could no longer be the center of the empire because it was important to be in Byzantium in order to protect the borders. This also allowed him to continue trade with black sea city ports, which brought wealth into the empire. He gained land and immigrants and built wonderful buildings and brought in statues and books. He also built churches which helped the support of Christianity
He also changed the empire by being the first emperor to claim conversion to Christianity. There is skepticism on whether or not he truly converted. He was baptized by the end of his life so it is not known if he truly converted, but he definitely acknowledged Christ. He also brought some protection for Christianity in Rome. In Milan, Constantine and Licinius met and agreed to make a policy that would allow for Christianity to have legal status within Rome. This happened in February 313 C.E. and it was called the Milan Edict. It did not make Christianity the official religion, rather It legislated the tolerance of it within the empire. Constantine still tolerated paganism but wanted to unify and strengthen Christianity.
He did influence the church and worship. He was seen as a hero at this time for bringing some protection from persecution within Rome. He grew up with a Christian education but slowly claimed more of the religion as he grew up. With the building of churches and claiming his conversion to Christianity he was seen in a good light by many Christians. Early Christian writers seem to view him in a heroic sense and truly believe in his conversion while others belief it was a political move to unify the empire. His military success, building of the economy, buildings, and legal reforms all strengthen the empire during his reign.

RIC VI Thessalonica 61b, depicts Constantine I on the obverse. He has a Laureate on his head and he is draped and wears a cuirass. His laurel crown is also depicting his military glory and his armor is showing that he is a military man . He faces right and the inscription around the border reads IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG. That translates into Commander Caesar Constantine, a pious and happy emperor . This coin states that he is pious and shows it in the drapery.

The Reverse shows Jupiter with a chlamys draped over his left shoulder. He is standing front with his head left. Jupiter was a roman sky god who was often identified with Zeus. He was known as the chief of gods. The chlamys, that is over his shoulder is a military cloak . This is a symbol for war. In his right hand he holds Victoria on a globe and with his left hand he is leaning on a scepter. He is holding a scepter, which is a common symbol recognized with him . In his other hand, he holds Victoria, who, for the Romans, was an important deity who was often depicted on coinage. She was considered the guardian of the empire . Suggesting that she would guard the empire during times of war. She is guarding the whole empire, since she is on top of the globe . To the left of his feet is an eagle who is holding a wreath in its beak. Eagles are often depicted with Zeus, who is associated with Jupiter . It is not uncommon for Jupiter to be seen with an eagle. The wreath, however, in his beak suggests military victory. The inscription surrounding the border of the coin reads IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN. This translates into Jupiter, the preserver and the two emperors, our two. He is the chief of gods thus, this text must be representing that he preserves the empire and rules with Constantine I.
This coin is showing Constantine I’s military victory while honoring the gods who are helping them in the military process. Jupiter and Victoria are important figures in their religion and they tied their success to their belief in their gods.

A, B,Γ, Δ,∈

21 mm

3.07