CONSTANTINOPOLIS (Arelate)

"CONSTANTINOPOLIS" AE3/4 COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE of Arelate. Struck A.D.336 under Constantine I. Obverse: CONSTANTINOPOLIS. Laureate and helmeted bust of Constantinopolis wearing imperial mantle facing left and holding sceptre over left shoulder. Reverse: No legend. Victory standing facing left, right foot on prow, holding sceptre and shield; in left field, Chi-Rho; in exergue, SCONST. Diameter: 16mm | Weight: 2.3gms RIC VII : 401 VERY RARE This is one of the few coins with a Chi-Rho that was actually minted during Constantine's lifetime. The victory on a prow type alludes to the naval victory of Crispus and his subsequent capture of Byzantium (which Constantine I re-named Constantinople).