Roman Empire – Constantine I, Gloria Exercitus Nummus, 330–335 AD – PO
ROMAN EMPIRE – CONSTANTINE I THE GREAT (AD 306–337). GLORIA EXERCITVS Nummus, AD 330–335. Mintmark: PO.
An authentic ancient Roman bronze nummus issued during the reign of Constantine I the Great, one of the most important emperors in Roman history.
The coin belongs to Constantine's famous GLORIA EXERCITVS (“Glory of the Army”) series, struck beginning around AD 330. The reverse celebrates the Roman military, an institution that was central to Constantine's power and to the continued strength of the empire.
Design
Obverse: Bust of Constantine I, usually shown laureate and cuirassed, facing right, with a Latin inscription naming and honoring the emperor.
Reverse: Two Roman soldiers standing facing one another, each holding a spear and resting a hand on a shield. Between them stands a military standard (vexillum).
The reverse legend reads:
GLORIA EXERCITVS
meaning “Glory of the Army.”
The PO mintmark appears in the exergue/field area and identifies the issuing mint or mint officina according to the complete mark visible on the coin.
Historical Background
Constantine the Great transformed the Roman Empire during the early 4th century. He is particularly remembered for his victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312, his support of Christianity, and the establishment of Constantinople as a major imperial capital.
The GLORIA EXERCITVS series was introduced during a period of major change in the Roman Empire. These coins celebrated the army that supported imperial authority and helped Constantine consolidate his rule.
This particular coin was struck approximately 1,700 years ago, during one of the most significant periods in Roman history.
Coin Details
- Emperor: Constantine I the Great
- Date: AD 330–335
- Empire: Roman Empire
- Denomination: Nummus / AE Bronze
- Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS
- Reverse meaning: “Glory of the Army”
- Type: Two soldiers with military standard
- Mintmark: PO
- Period: Late Roman Empire
A fascinating ancient Roman military-themed coin from the reign of Constantine the Great, featuring one of the most recognizable reverse designs of 4th-century Roman coinage.
Please examine the photographs for the exact condition, patina, surfaces, centering, portrait details and complete mintmark of this individual coin.
