Author Topic: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse  (Read 5065 times)

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Offline tenbobbit

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Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« on: July 13, 2015, 11:14:44 AM »
Hi all,
I have a few questions regarding a coin of Constantine I that I am struggling to nail down a Mint for, it also has a supposed RIC number but I have been unable to confirm this. The condition is not the best but I think there is enough remaining for you to see. I have found 2 examples so far, 1 on here but no write up and 1 on acsearch which called it RIC 99 but gave no mint name ??
Obverse - FLVALCONSTANTINVSNOBC
Reverse - ROMAE AETER -  Roma seated in hexagon style temple, looks more like sol with a spikey head.
Mintmark - PL ( branch )
Weight - 4.35g
Size - 23mm
C:\Users\dogneckdamo\Desktop\pictures\IMG_2603.JPG
C:\Users\dogneckdamo\Desktop\pictures\IMG_2606.JPG
Hope the pictures work.
Have I interpreted the mintmark correctly ?
Thinking that it is probably London but that's only a guess.
Why is the reverse legend so scarce ? only a couple of examples that I could find.
TIA for your help.

« Last Edit: July 13, 2015, 11:29:00 AM by tenbobbit »

Offline Nikko

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2015, 11:43:43 AM »
Yes, it's from the London mint. PLN in exergue.
RIC VI Londinium99.

It's a truly rare type, congratz ;)

Offline Victor

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2015, 12:49:58 PM »
This coin is interesting because it shows some of the convoluted politics going on at the time. It was issued for Constantine and Maximian Herculius, who had formed an alliance. This type, besides indicating an alliance, is actually recognizing Maxentius in Rome, even though Constantine officially remained neutral in the fight between Maxentius and Galerius. Since Maxentius was the son of Maximian though, Constantine had to show some sort of support. Constantine even married Fausta, who was the daughter of Maximian and sister of Maxentius, thereby making Constantine the brother-in-law of Maxentius. However, this newly forged alliance would not last long and soon discord ensued resulting in the deaths of Maxentius, Maximian and years later, Fausta.

Offline tenbobbit

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2015, 06:14:00 PM »
Thanks for the reply NIKKO and thanks Victor for the history lesson.
Are either of you familiar with the mintmark on my coin ?
It is - PL branch which differs from the other examples I have seen.
I am relatively new to collecting so struggle on occasions but would I be right in saying that London mint coins don't use symbols in the mintmark such as the crescent, branch, star, sunburst ?
This is making me think its not London but could be either Lyon or Arles.
Thanks again.

Offline Victor

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2015, 06:44:37 PM »
It is - PL branch which differs from the other examples I have seen.

Your mintmark is PLN, but only the top part of the N is visible. It is either weakly struck or corroded or both.


Here is another example where the N is barely visible due to a weak strike


Offline tenbobbit

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2015, 04:37:39 PM »
Hi Victor
I think I have convinced myself that its different that's my problem  ::)
More than happy to own it though, even in such a poor state.
Many thanks Victor for your help.

Offline Allergies Collector

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Re: Constantine I coin, Romae Aeter/temple reverse
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2017, 03:05:18 PM »
Here is another Romae Aeter from my own collection.