[ 4569]

CONSTANTINE I 'THE GREAT '- ROMAN EMPEROR: 307-337 A.D.
  Centenionalis (20mm, 3.65 gm.)   Ticinum,   319 A.D.
Reference:   RIC VII 122. 
CONSTANTINVS AVG, helmeted cuirassed bust right.
VIRTVS EXERCIT, two captives bound beneath a standard inscribed VOT XX, P-star-T  in ex.

This particular coin was minted in Ticinum 319-320 AD  and survives in  very fine condition with both sides being well struck and well centered. It  features a large portrait of Constantine wearing a crested helmet and a scene of  two bound captives beneath a standard commemorating the public vows undertaken  by the emperor on behalf of the state. The imperial vows were held
every five years and this coin marks the ocassion of the 20th year. Basically  the vows took the form of "If you do this for me, I will then do this for you".