Constantine I – Follis – Quadriga

Examine the Detail: Hover over any coin to activate the high-resolution magnifier.

Obverse Description:

DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG, veiled head of Divus Constantine I right

Obverse Translation:

Divus Constantinus Pater Augustorum – Divine Constantine Father of the Emperors (Augustus)

Reverse Description:

Divus Constantine I driving quadriga right, extending his hand toward the hand of God

Reverse Translation:

Ruler:

Coinage:

,

Minted:

Year 337 - 340 AD

Antioch

Denomination / Metal:

Follis

Bronze

Diameter / Weight:

mm

1.72 gr

Catalogue:

RIC VIII# 4

Observations:

nice Desert Patina

If you are searching for a coin that represents the “Grand Finale” of Rome’s most transformative figure, the Constantine I “Quadriga” Follis (RIC VIII 4) is a masterclass in celestial, posthumous propaganda. Struck in AD 337–340 by his sons, this bronze piece marks the moment the man who legalized Christianity and founded Constantinople finally left the earthly realm for a divine one.

At Numiscurio, we often say that a coin’s “soul” is found in its ability to blend pagan tradition with a new, revolutionary faith.

1. The Historical Context: The Death of a Visionary

Constantine the Great died near Nicomedia in May of 337. He had spent thirty years upending the Roman world, moving the capital to the East and ending centuries of Christian persecution.

This coin is a “Consecratio” (consecration) issue, struck to honor the deceased Emperor. However, unlike the “Eagle” or “Funeral Pyre” types of the earlier Emperors, this coin introduces a subtle, Christian-compatible mystery. It depicts Constantine not just as a dead ruler, but as a cosmic traveler. By the time this was minted in Cyzicus (RIC VIII 4), the Empire was being divided between his three sons, and they used this imagery to solidify their own legitimacy by proving their father had reached the heavens.

Because these were struck in massive quantities across the Eastern mints to spread the news of his deification, many are found today. Finding a RIC 4 in “Choice EF” condition—where you can see the Hand of God reaching down from the clouds, is a centerpiece for any collection of the Constantinian Era.

2. The Reverse: The Chariot to the Stars

The reverse features Constantine in a Quadriga (a four-horse chariot) galloping right, with the Hand of God reaching down from above to receive him.

  • The Solar Connection: To a pagan citizen, this looked like Sol, the Sun God, driving his chariot across the sky. Constantine had spent much of his life blurring the lines between the “Unconquered Sun” and the “Sun of Righteousness.”
  • The Hand of God (Manus Dei): This is the “game-changer.” In the upper field, a small hand emerges from the clouds. This was a radical departure from traditional Roman art; it was a clear signal to the growing Christian population that the one true God was personally welcoming Constantine into Paradise.
  • The Legend: Usually absent or reduced, letting the powerful imagery of the ascent speak for itself.

3. The Obverse: The Veiled Face of Peace

The obverse features the veiled bust of Constantine I, facing right.

  • The Divus Portrait: The veil (velatio) was the traditional Roman symbol for a deceased person who had been deified. It gives Constantine a ghostly, serene appearance, far removed from the armored, aggressive portraits of his youth.
  • The Divine Honorific: The legend begins with DV, standing for Divus (Divine).
  • The Legend: DV CONSTANTINVS PT AVGG. (The Divine Constantine, Father of the Augusti).

4. Technical Details: The Eastern Mint Craft

  • RIC VIII: Cataloged in the Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VIII, which covers the family of Constantine.
  • The Mint: Struck in Antioch (on the coast of modern-day Turkey). The Eastern mints were particularly fond of this “Ascension” type, reflecting the deep religious fervor of the region where Constantine spent his final days.
  • The AE4 Standard: This is a smaller bronze coin (often called an AE4). While the silver content of the Roman currency had vanished by this point, the artistic detail on these small bronze dies remains incredibly high, particularly in the depiction of the galloping horses.