FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and mantled bust right / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Securitas standing left, lowering branch with right hand, raising hem of robe with left hand, SMHA in exergue. 19mm, 2.43 grams. Heraclea mint. RIC VII Heraclea 79.

Helena (c. 250–330 CE) was the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great and one of the most prominent Christian women of the late Roman Empire. Probably of relatively humble origins, she was the companion or wife of Constantine’s father, Constantius Chlorus, and was later granted the title Augusta by her son. A devoted Christian, Helena made a celebrated pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she sponsored the construction of churches at important Christian sites. Later Christian tradition credits her with discovering the True Cross in Jerusalem. She died around 330 CE and was subsequently venerated as Saint Helena.