CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG, laurel and rosette diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right. / GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, Two soldiers standing inward facing each other, holding spear, shield and two standards between them, dot on banners. Mintmark SMNE. 19mm, 1.98 grams.  Nicomedia mint, minted 330-335 CE. RIC VIII 188 E.

Constantine the Great (c. 272–337 CE) was Roman emperor from 306 to 337 CE and a transformative figure in both Roman and Christian history. Rising to power after a series of civil wars, he reunited the empire and founded Constantinople (modern Istanbul) as a new imperial capital. Constantine is best known for becoming the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, issuing the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christians and ended centuries of persecution. He strengthened imperial administration, reformed the military, and stabilized the currency, laying the groundwork for the Byzantine Empire. His reign marked a turning point in European history, blending Roman statecraft with Christian faith, and his legacy endured for centuries in both political and religious spheres.