Nomos 16

Constantinopolis - Commemorative Series, 330 AD. 1/3 Siliqua (Silver, 11 mm, 1.02 g, 11 h), Constantinople. Draped bust of Constantinopolis to right, wearing pearl diadem with a jewel at the front, with a semi-corcular extension of the diadem between her ear and the diadem jewel, and a pearl necklace; border of dots. Rev. Large Κ; around, border of dots. Bendall 4. Cohen (Constantine II) 287 and (Fausta) 23. A superb example, very possibly the finest known. Perfectly centered and free from faults. Good extremely fine.

This anonymous issue, which was struck in Constantinople, is part of a considerable series of similar pieces that bear a variety of busts on their obverses; they have been given a variety of identifications – mostly as members of the House of Constantine. In fact, it now seems clear that this type, with Κ, represents the newly founded city of Constantinople, and was paired with others, with Ρ, which showed a bust of Roma. These ceremonial coins would have been tossed to the crowds during the festivities that took place when the city was dedicated in 330. For a medal celebrating the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of Rome, see below, lot 226.