Constantine I – Follis – Two Soldiers (Antioch)

Product Description

Historical Significance Struck at the legendary Antioch mint, this bronze Follis dates to the later reign of Constantine the Great (306–337 AD). The reverse features the iconic “Gloria Exercitus” (Glory of the Army) motif, which became the standard military type for the House of Constantine. Depicting two soldiers flanking a central labarum (military standard), this imagery served as a constant reminder of the army’s loyalty and its role as the protector of the newly Christianized Roman State. This specific issue from the Eastern mints highlights the importance of the frontier legions in maintaining the stability Constantine fought so hard to establish.

Design & Detail

• Obverse: Features the diademed or laureate head of Constantine I. The portraiture captures the shift toward the “Constantinian” style—characterized by large, upward-looking eyes and a clean-shaven, serene profile that emphasized his divine connection.

• Reverse: Displays two soldiers standing face-to-face, each holding a spear and leaning on a shield. Between them stands a single standard (labarum), often adorned with a banner or a Christogram.

• Condition & Patina: This specimen is preserved with a rich, dark-chocolate patina typical of the Antioch mint’s bronze issues. The strike is crisp and well-centered, allowing for clear legibility of the “SMAN” mint mark (Sacra Moneta Antiochia) in the exergue.

Authenticity & Value As one of the most recognizable types of late Roman coinage, this Constantine I Follis is an essential piece for any collection focused on the transition to the Middle Ages or the rise of the Christian Empire. At Numiscurio, every specimen is meticulously verified to ensure it meets our standards for historical accuracy and physical preservation.