Roman Empire, Constantine I Posthumous AE4 Nummus, c. AD 337-340, NGC XF

A posthumous Roman Imperial coin honoring Constantine I, commonly known as Constantine the Great. This small AE4 billon nummus was issued after Constantine's death in AD 337 and belongs to the memorial coinage produced under his successors.

The obverse presents Constantine with the veiled portrait used to signify a deceased emperor. The reverse depicts Constantine driving a four-horse chariot as a divine hand reaches down from above. Modern numismatists commonly call this the Manus Dei, or Hand of God, type.

The imagery stands at the intersection of traditional Roman imperial commemoration and the increasingly Christian visual language of the Constantinian dynasty.

The coin has been graded XF, Extremely Fine, and encapsulated by NGC Ancients. The certification number below can be checked through NGC's verification page.

Specifications

• Empire: Roman Empire
• Emperor honored: Constantine I
• Reign: AD 307 to 337
• Issue: Posthumous
• Approximate issue date: c. AD 337 to 340
• Classification: AE4
• Denomination: BI Nummus
• Composition: Billon or copper-based alloy, exact fineness not specified
• Obverse: Veiled portrait of Constantine I
• Reverse: Constantine driving a quadriga with the Manus Dei reaching down
• Grade: NGC XF
• Certification number: 4283040-007
• Holder: NGC Ancients encapsulation, sealed

On the posthumous issue

Constantine I died in AD 337. Coins subsequently issued in his name were memorial pieces rather than coinage struck during his lifetime.

The veiled portrait identifies Constantine as deceased. On the reverse, he appears in a quadriga beneath an outstretched divine hand. The scene is frequently interpreted as Constantine's heavenly reception, although it also continues Rome's older tradition of presenting deceased emperors through imagery of apotheosis and divine approval.

Historical note

Constantine I emerged from the political conflicts of the Tetrarchic period and became sole ruler of the Roman Empire in AD 324. His reign reshaped the imperial government, established Constantinople as a new capital and transformed the relationship between Roman authority and Christianity.

After his death, Constantine's sons divided authority over the empire and issued memorial coinage honoring their father. These compact AE4 coins circulated a carefully constructed image of Constantine's legacy throughout the empire.

Condition

Ancient billon or bronze-alloy coin graded XF by NGC Ancients and sold sealed in its holder. The coin displays a dark, age-consistent patina. The photographs show the actual coin and its present condition.

No claim is made regarding exact mint, officina, catalog number, weight, diameter or alloy percentage. Pryce House is independent of NGC.