Constantine I

Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, was a transformative figure in Roman history, reigning as emperor from 306 to 337 CE. Born in 272 CE in Naissus (modern-day Niš, Serbia), he was the son of Constantius Chlorus, a prominent Roman general and later co-emperor under the Tetrarchy, and Helena, who would later be venerated as Saint Helena. Constantine's reign marked a turning point for the Roman Empire, both politically and religiously.

Constantine first came to power following the death of his father in 306 CE, when the army proclaimed him emperor. Initially one of several claimants during a period of civil wars, he consolidated his position through decisive victories, such as the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE against his rival Maxentius. Before this battle, Constantine reportedly saw a vision of a cross accompanied by the words "In this sign, conquer," leading him to adopt Christianity as his guiding faith—a pivotal moment in history.

As emperor, Constantine implemented significant reforms. He reunited the divided empire, ending decades of political instability. In 313 CE, he issued the Edict of Milan alongside his co-emperor Licinius, granting religious tolerance throughout the empire and effectively ending the persecution of Christians. Constantine also convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which sought to address theological disputes within the early Church and resulted in the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief.

One of his enduring legacies was the foundation of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 330 CE as a new imperial capital. Strategically located and richly adorned, it symbolized the empire's shift toward the East. Constantine's adoption and promotion of Christianity forever altered the religious landscape of the Roman Empire, paving the way for its eventual dominance in Europe. He remains a revered figure, canonized as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.

This is one of the few less-than-choice coins in the Rome Aeterna collection where better coins are available. Soldi of Constantine the Great are not rare but they are very popular due to the historical significance of Constantine's position as the first Christian emperor of Rome. Choice examples of Constantine soldi cost $30k and above and that is out of budget for a "common" coin in the Roma Aeterna collection. The present coin is a good example of the criteria that are important to this collection when compromises have to be made. The coin has an excellent portrait, well struck obverse and reverse, clear legends and perfect centering. The coin is also has no technical flaws such as scratches, clipping, or tooling. The compromise is that this example has some honest wear on the high points, conservatively it may grade at Good Very Fine or possibly Extremely Fine but not Choice. Although it does not have the luster and flash of a mint state coin, the coin has excellent overall eye appeal.