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Both sides of an irregularly shaped gold coin with relief decoration on each side.　

On the side of the coin on the left is the bust of a man facing right, short hair crowned with laurel wreath, wearing chest armor and cape, on the left and right borders, the Latin characters: C O N S T A N T I N V S / P / F / A V G. The other side of the coin depicts a man standing facing left, dressed in military attire, wearing a helmet, right arm outstretched crowning a large trophy in front of him, left arm by side holding a staff. Below the trophy, armor and a shield. Along the border, the Latin characters: S E C V R I T A S / P E R P E T V A.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1951.31.4.2
People
Constantine I, Roman (r. 307 - 337 CE)
Title
Solidus of Constantine I, Sirmium
Classification
Coins
Work Type
coin
Date
323 CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Sirmium (Pannonia)
Period
Roman Imperial period, Late
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/196493

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Gold
Metal
AV
Technique
Struck
Dimensions
4.16g
Die Axis
12
Denomination
solidus
Inscriptions and Marks
  • Obverse Inscription: CONSTANTINVS P F AVG
  • Reverse Inscription: SECVRITAS PERPETVA

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
cf. RIC VII, p.473, 42 (but B4)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore
Accession Year
1951
Object Number
1951.31.4.2
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Obv.: Bust of Constantine to r., laureate, draped and cuirassed
Rev.: Emperor standing crowning trophy

Exhibition History

  • Roman Gallery Installation (long-term), Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/16/1999 - 01/20/2008
  • Gods in Color: Painted Sculpture of Classical Antiquity, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/22/2007 - 01/20/2008
  • Re-View: S422 Ancient & Byzantine Art & Numismatics, Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 04/12/2008 - 06/18/2011
  • 32Q: 3620 University Study Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/28/2023 - 05/07/2023

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu