Bonhams has announced that they will be offering a large and impressive medallion that may have been issued by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great at the start of the 4th century in its June 1 auction of Rare Coins and Medals in Los Angeles. The medallion is estimated at $200,000-300,000.
Few 4th century gold medallions of this significant size — a diameter of 48.8 mm and weight of 41.88 g — have come to market in recent years. Gold medallions such as this were typically gifts given by the emperor to high-ranking individuals of the empire, both military and civilian. They were also presented to ambassadors and chieftains on important occasions in hopes to impress them.
The Director of the Rare Coins and Banknotes Department at Bonhams, Paul Song, states, "Having handled two of the most valuable collections of ancient coins ever offered at auction, this particular gold medallion of 9 solidi size was not in either collection, making this an extremely rare find. It is of the highest importance to the advanced collector. The fact that Constantine the Great, himself, would have almost certainly handled the coin in question further adds to the allure and desirability of this incredible item."
These medallions were true multiples of gold and silver coins and could legally be used as money. This particular piece of ancient currency illustrates a bust of Constantine wearing a rosette diadem. On the reverse, Constantine is seen with a nimbate or halo, which is often found on Byzantine coins. He is seated on his throne while holding his staff in his right hand and the cherished plant, acacia, in his left. His two sons, Constantine II and Constantius, stand on either side of Constantine in their military attire, each holding a spear and shield.
Constantine's reign has fascinated people for centuries. It is essentially regarded as an epoch of administrative and politic reforms, of religious and artistic pursuits. During this time, Christianity began to transition to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, as he was the first emperor to profess Christianity. However, he is perhaps most famous for the great city which came to bear his name - Constantinople. Historians have placed this coin's creation after May 11, 330 A.D. (the consecration of Constantinople). Therefore, this remarkable coin may be one of the earliest productions of the Constantinople mint.
Bonhams is also delighted to be offering an extensive selection of world gold coins and United States coins from colonial to the 20th century. Amid the collection of US coins are a large selection of mint state Washington Quarters and Washington Quarter rolls from 1932 through 1964 from a private collection, and these vary in estimate from $200-300 to $1500-2000. A very rare colonial 1785 Vermont Copper Immune Columbia variety (est. $25,000-30,000) is also quite a discovery.
Among the highlights from the remainder of the sale are some other rarities. One such rarity is a large size Gold Medal of Peter the Great of Russia commemorating a naval battle, which has outstanding provenance and is estimated to bring very conservatively $20,000-30,000. In addition, an exceptionally rare 1865 Canada, Newfoundland Gold $2 specimen coin, which is one of perhaps a half dozen known is estimated at $35,000-40,000.
The preview for the sale will take place May 29-June 1 and the illustrated catalog for the auction will be available online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com.
