Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Constantine I "the Great"
Mint: Rome
Year: 317 - 318 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 20.0mm
Weight: 3.52g
Reference: Rome RIC VII 97 var

Obverse
IMP CONSTANTINVS PF AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right

Reverse
SOLI IN-VI-CTO COMITI, Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding globe and raising right hand. Wreath in left field. Mintmark R (Rome), officina P (prima, 1st officina)

Constantine I, known as Constantine the Great, ruled the Roman Empire from 306 to 337 CE, transforming it politically, militarily, and religiously. He rose to power during the decline of the Tetrarchy, proclaimed emperor by his troops in 306 CE after his father, Constantius Chlorus, died. Constantine initially controlled Britain, Gaul, and Hispania but faced rivals, including Maxentius in Italy and Licinius in the East.

In 312 CE, Constantine defeated Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, reportedly inspired by a vision of the Christian symbol Chi-Rho and the phrase In hoc signo vinces ("In this sign, you will conquer"). This victory led to his conversion to Christianity and his promotion of the faith. In 313 CE, he and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance and favoring Christianity. By 324 CE, Constantine defeated Licinius to become the sole emperor, uniting the empire.

He reorganized the empire, strengthening the military and bureaucracy while founding Constantinople in 330 CE as the new capital, blending Roman and Christian elements. Constantine supported Christianity, funding churches like the Hagia Eirene, and presided over the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, shaping Christian doctrine.

Constantine died in 337 CE, leaving a legacy as the first Christian emperor, transforming the Roman Empire’s religious and political future while laying the groundwork for the Byzantine Empire.