Romeinse Rijk. Constantijn I (306-337 n.Chr.). Follis Arles mint, 1st Officina - R/ two winged Victories standing side by side (Zonder Minimumprijs)

Ancient Roman Imperial, Constantine I the Great (AD 307–337), AE Follis. Mint: Arles, 1st Officina (AD 319)
Obverse: The obverse features a laureate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust of Constantine I facing right, seen from the front. The inscription reads IMP CONSTANTINVS MAX AVG, which stands for "Imperator Constantinus Maximus Augustus," emphasizing Constantine’s status as supreme commander and revered emperor. The depiction highlights Constantine's military prowess and authority, wearing both a laurel crown and military armor.
Reverse: The reverse presents a scene of two winged Victories standing side by side, holding a shield above an altar between them. The shield is inscribed with VOT / PR in two lines, indicating vows taken by the emperor (vota publica) for the well-being of the empire. The legend surrounding the image, VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, translates to "Joyful Victories of the Eternal Prince," celebrating the victories and stability brought by Constantine’s rule. In the exergue, the mint mark PARL indicates that the coin was struck in Arles (ancient Arelate), at the first officina (workshop) of the mint.
Historical Context and Significance:
This coin was minted in AD 319, during the height of Constantine’s reign. After emerging victorious in a series of civil wars, Constantine had established himself as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. His reign is notable for significant military successes, administrative reforms, and, most importantly, his role in the promotion of Christianity. In 313 AD, he issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians, which set the stage for Christianity's transformation into the dominant religion of the Roman Empire.

The depiction of the two Victories on the reverse symbolizes Constantine’s numerous triumphs and the unity of the empire under his leadership. The altar and the vow inscriptions are reminders of Constantine’s piety and his efforts to align his rule with divine favor, reflecting a blend of traditional Roman pagan imagery and his growing association with Christianity.

The mint of Arles (Arelate) was a significant center of coin production for Constantine, chosen for its strategic location in southern Gaul (modern-day France), close to key military and trade routes. Coins like this one were not only used for everyday transactions but also served as tools of propaganda, reinforcing Constantine's image as a successful and divinely favored ruler throughout the empire.
Diameter: 18 mm Weight: 2.79 grams