Constantine I, the Great 
Born c. 280 A.D.,  Roman Emperor 307-337 A.D.

Copper, denomination uncertain, 23 mm.
O:  Constantine facing right.
R:  Sol standing, holding globe.
London mint, struck 312-313 AD


Copper, denomination uncertain, 18 mm.
O:  Constantine facing right.
R:  Camp gate.
Antioch mint, struck 324-330 AD

Copper, denomination uncertain, 17 mm.
O:  Personification of the city of Constantinople facing left.
R:  Victory on prow of ship, holding scepter and leaning on shield.
Trier (modern-day France) mint, struck c.332 AD
This issue was struck to commemorate the dedication of Constantinople in 330 AD.

Constantine was the first Roman emperor to promote Christianity.  He adopted Christian symbols for his battle standards in 312 AD, prompted by a "vision" of the sign of the cross in the rays of the sun.

Constantine re-designed and re-founded the Greek city of Byzantium as "Constantinople" to serve as the capital for the Eastern Empire.


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