CONSTANTINE I MAGNVS (THE GREAT)
Reigned: 307-337 A.D.
Nicomedia
| NICOMEDIA (Izmit, Turkey - 40°47'N, 29°55'E), on the north side of the Gulf of Astacus near its head, was founded about 265 BC by King Nicomedes I of Bithynia and passed to Rome after Nicomedes IV died in 74 BC. In 63 BC it became the capital of the new province of Bithynia and Pontus. A naval base was built, and the city prospered since it was on the land route linking the Roman east and west. Diocletian made it the eastern capital, and an Imperial mint opened there in 294 which stayed open until at least 474. The city was eclipsed by Constantinople, but became a Byzantine mint from 498 until 627. (From MONETA, from www.numus.com) |
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AE 3 (19mm) Struck 348-351 A.D. Obv: CONSTANTINVS AVG Laureate head right Rev: PROVIDENTIAE AVGG Campgate with two turrets, one star above, seven layers open door MNA in exergue RIC VII 121 |
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AE 3 (17mm, 1.38g) Struck A.D. 347-8 Nicomedia Obv: DV CONSTANTINVS P T AVG Veiled head of Constantine right Rev: VN MR Constantine veiled, standing right RIC VIII 48 |
