Helena AE3 (SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, RIC VII 11)

HELENA as Augusta, AD 324-328/30
AE3 (19.78mm, 3.24g, 12h)
Struck AD 326. Constantinople mint
Obverse: FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust of Helena right
Reverse: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Securitas, veiled and draped, standing left, raising robe with right hand and holding branch in left; B in left field, CONS in exergue
References: RIC VII 11 (R2); RCV 16618.

Dark patina. A beautiful specimen, combining exquisite artistry, quality of flan and strike, and excellent preservation. Helena was the first wife of Constantius I and the mother of Constantine I. She converted to Christianity sometime after her son’s victory over Maxentius in AD 312, and later embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in search of sites and relics historic to Christianity. Her efforts led to the construction of a number of magnificent churches, including the Church of the Nativity, the Church of Eleona, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Collezione : Roman Imperial - the Constantinian Dynasty