Lisa Dahlen Designs

Constantine the Great Commemorative Coin 337-340 AD (126a)

$975.00

Description

"Manus Dei" - the "Hand of God"

Ancient Roman bronze coin with a distinctive desert patina.  The hand of God reaches down toward the Emperor Constantine, driving a quadriga (four horse chariot), welcoming him to heaven.  

The artwork on this coin is remarkable with the hand of God reaching down being very distinct.  The chariot with Constantine and the four horses is beautifully centered so that all of the activity being represented in the coin is visible.

One of a kind with Certificate of Authenticity.

Chain is available separately.  See Chains

Size and Materials

Size: 15mm. 

Set in a hand fabricated 18kt recycled gold and sterling silver mount.  

Story

Dated: 347-348 AD

"Hand of God", "Manus Dei", commemorative coins struck after Constantine I the Great's death (337 AD), the first depiction of a Christian deity on a coin. Constantine driving a quadriga (four horse chariot); as Constantine reaches up, the Hand of God reaches down to bring him into heaven. The obverse, front, of the coin is an image of the veiled Constantine. In a historical decision in 312 AD, Constantine decides that his army shall wear a Christian symbol on their shields.  He wins the battle of the Milvian Bridge and attributes his success to his alliance with the Christian god.  
 Desert patina is formed in a very dry, desert climate.  The tan areas are lightly cemented on light tan dust and desert sand.  It has a lovely esthetic appeal.  It takes skillful cleaning of the coin to remove the cemented dust while leaving just enough to create dramatic highlights that emphasize the beauty of the artwork.

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