Ancient Coins

Roman Emperor Constantine the Great

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Roman Emperor Constantine the Great

First Christian Emperor

AD 307 - 337

Flavius Valerius Constantius was born in what is now Eastern Yugoslavia around A.D. 280. His father, Constantius Chlorus was a Caesar of the Western Roman Empire. His mother, was a Christian who is reputed to have discovered, at Jerusalem, the sepulcher and the wood of the true cross of Christ. Obviously, her influence would have a profound effect on her son later in life.

When his father died in York, England, in AD 306, Constantine, as the eldest son and with the very enthusiastic support of the army, was declared Caesar. His rival, Maxentius, who also was a son of a previous Emperor (Maximianus I) was determined to assume the throne.

This rivalry culminated (AD 312) at the Battle of Milvina Bridge, just outside of Rome. This conflict would produce enormous religious, social and political changes in the Empire.

During this battle, Constantine beheld in the heavens, beneath the sun, a flaming cross bearing the inscription "By this sign thou shalt conquer". This moment of conversion was solidified when the opposing army was defeated and Maxentius was drowned in the Tiber River while attempting to escape.

Constantine now became Caesar of the Western Empire. Licinius I would rule the Eastern Empire. This dual rule gradually deteriorated and resulted in the defeat of Licinius I in AD 323. Constantine was now Emperor of the entire Roman Empire!

The bronze money that he struck had his portrait on the obverse of the coin. On the reverse are various depiction's: Roman army camp gates, two soldiers standing on each side of a military standard, even pagan gods that were to be eventually phased out.