COINS OF THE FAMILY OF CONSTANTINE THE GREAT

 

Constantinus I (The Great) is a pivotal figure in Western history because of his role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Like so many historic rulers, however, his family relations were… troubled. Coins issued in the names of Constantine's relatives offer a vivid picture of the turbulent middle decades of the fourth century. These coins include some of the most common and affordable surviving ancients, as well as many spectacular rarities.

Crispus

 

Appointed to command the army on the Rhine frontier, Crispus established his headquarters at Treveri (Trier, Germany) married, and had a son. He fought several victorious campaigns against Germanic tribes. In 324, Constantine gave Crispus command of his fleet in the civil war against Licinius. On coins dated to 316 and issued at Trier, Arles, and Ticinum, Crispus is hailed as Noble Caesar and Prince of the Youths (Princeps Iuventutis).

As Caesar, Crispus issued extensive coinage in his own name – including a lovely gold solidus dated to 325-26 that depicts the young prince with an uplifted gaze often described as eyes to God. His name and title appear on the reverse, with the figure of winged Victory, not yet transformed into a Christian angel.

In 326, Crispus was arrested and executed under mysterious circumstances.

Fausta

 

Fausta, second wife of Constantine Half siliqua, Treveri late 307, AR 1.06 g. FAVSTAE NOBILISSIMAE FEMINAE Draped bust l. with hair held up in a knot on top of head. Rev. IVNO REGINAE Juno standing l., holding long sceptre and patera, at her feet, peacock. C 22. RIC 756. Of the highest rarity, only the fourth specimen known and the only one in private hands. Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 84 20 May 2015, Lot: 1210. Realized: 38,000 CHF (approx. 40,494 USD).

Born in 289, Flavia Maxima Fausta was the daughter of Emperor Maximian and the sister of Emperor Maxentius. At the age of about 17, she was given in marriage to cement a political alliance between Constantine and her father. To make this marriage possible, Constantine set aside his partner Minervina. Fausta bore three sons who became Roman emperors, along with three daughters – two of whom married future emperors.

To read the complete article, see:
CoinWeek Ancient Coin Series: The Family of Constantine the Great (https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/coinweek-ancient-coin-series-the-family-of-constantine-the-great/)

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