In numismatics, the Constantinian Era commenced with Emperor Constantine I’s power ascension in the Western Roman Empire. Rome underwent fundamental changes in the 3rd century CE as the territory split into sections to combat its exponential growth. Collectors can expect Constantinian Era coinage to come in several denominations and display mythological figures, religious motifs, and cultural symbols. 

With expansion came strain on the economy. Funding military endeavors in multiple continents pressured Roman society. Emperor Diocletian split Rome into a tetrarchy and started currency reform in 293 CE, naming Constantine’s father, Constantius the Pale, Caesar to western-Augustus Maximian. This change ended what scholars consider the “Crisis of the Third Century.” 

Although Constantius eventually became Augustus, his son did not earn the title of Caesar. Constantine campaigned in the east, but in 305 CE, he moved to Eboracum to battle alongside his father for a year. Allegedly on his deathbed, Constantius appointed Constantine. Constantius’ army immediately recognized Constantine as their emperor, but not everyone agreed, and Valerius Severus ascended. Galerius initially accepted Constantine as a Caesar; however, he ejected Constantine from the Imperial College after Severus died in 307. Usurper Maxentius claimed an emperor title in Rome and fought to retain it. Constantine officially replaced his father as emperor in 312 after his army killed Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, continuing to work with the eastern emperor Licinius until the Battle of Chrysopolis in 324 left Constantine the sole champion of the Roman Empire.

Constantine the Great created several changes to Roman coinage. In 309 CE, he introduced the Solidus, and in 310 CE, he eliminated Diocletian's silver Argenteus from production. The Solidus replaced the Aureus as a lighter gold coin. In 317 CE, both Constantine and Licinius halved the bronze nummus’ value. To extend, Constantine was the first Christian Roman Emperor. In 310 CE, Roman coinage paid homage to Christianity for the first time as mints in Constantine’s control struck the Chi-Rho. After 324, all coinage displayed the Chi-Rho, which scholars now recognize as the Labarum standard. 

In 330, Constantine named Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire. At this time, he released silver tetradrachms in the city’s honor. Some scholars believe Constantinian Era coinage returned to Hellenistic standards. 

After Constantine died in 337 CE, the Roman Senate deified him and allowed his sons to issue a commemorative coin, the Divus Constantine. The solidus continued circulation until the 10th century CE. 

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Constantinian Era coinage varies depending on the issuer and period. For example, the solidus weighs 4.5 grams, 1/72 of a Roman pound, versus the aureus’ 1/60 ratio, and has a 24-karat purity. 

The nummus weighs a gram or less and is valued at 1/7,200 of one solidus. The nummus is considered the Italian commoner’s money, made of copper or bronze, which meant mints produced them more crudely than silver or gold counterparts. In 330, mints produced silver tetradrachms in the Attic standard. 

Coins in the early Constantinian Era display the god Mars, but after 310 Apollo-Sol appeared. Constantinian Era coinage depicts the emperor’s bust with a shaven face and a diadem or helmet atop the emperor’s head as opposed to a wreathe or solar crown. Constantinian Era coinage has a smooth edge and may have a decorated rim.

There are many coins available at affordable prices. Collectors should note that some catalogs refer to Constantinian Era coins as Byzantine Empire coinage. Many reasonable and precious coins exist in this era. Collectors should consider purchasing coins from reputable dealers to avoid counterfeits. Some well-known designs include Constantine I AV Solidus, the House of Constantine Nummus, and the front-facing Licinius Gold Aureus.

Find the Value of your Ancient Constantinian Era Coinage. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Explore over 425 Million “sold for” prices with item details and images.

Constantinian Era coinage displays a legend, mint location, and sometimes an engraver’s name. The Latin letter “C” or the Greek letters “MH” indicate a coin’s value based on whether the mint existed in the Italian East or the West. Sometimes both are present. 

 The expert analysis of these items reassures the collector that a purchase is genuine. A trustworthy, detailed provenance is often the best method of authentication.

Identify your Ancient Constantinian Era Coinage Marks.

In the WorthPoint Library    

Historical Roman Coins from the Earliest Times to the Reign of Augustus by George Francis Hill. 

Roman Coins: Elementary Manual by Francesco Gnecchi and Alred Watson. 

Books and Periodicals  

Coinage and History of the Roman Empire by David Vagi. 

Constantine’s Tetradrachms by David Woods. 

The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage by William E. Metcalf. 

Web Resources  

Coinweek Ancient Coin Series: The Family of Constantine the Great www.coinweek.com. 

Getting Started with Roman Coins www.collectingancientcoins.co.uk.