Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 219. Estimate CHF50000.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF44000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Constantine I. AD 307/310-337. Medallion in the weight of 6 siliquae (Silver, 19.08 g 6), Constantiniople, struck as a donative for the dedication of Constantine’s new city of Constantinople, circa 11 May 330. Head of Constantine to right, wearing rosette diadem Rev. D N CONSTANTINVS / MAX TRIVMF AVG /M CONSZ Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, turned slightly to the right, wearing turreted crown, holding cornucopiae and with her left hand and flower with her right, and with her right foot on the prow of a galley. Alföldi pl. 18, 225. Cohen 136. Gnecchi p. 58, 11-13 var. (differing officinae). RIC p. 578, 5 3 var. Toynbee pl. 37, 9. Extremely rare, a remarkable piece of the greatest historical importance. Toned and pleasing, good very fine.

From the Biaggi collection, ex Bank Leu 22, 8 May 1979 383.

This piece formed part of a whole group of coins and medallic issues that were produced to commemorate the festivities surrounding the official dedication of Constantinople in 330. The silver issues of this type bear either the figures of Roma or Constantinopolis on their reverses, thus proclaiming the equality of the two cities.