Seaton Down Hoard coin, nummus commemorating Constantinopolis
A nummus of the type that weighed 1/132 of a pound. It is one of 8 similar coins from the Seaton Down Hoard made around AD 330-335 in Arles, modern France, and issued by the House of Constantine.
It is a commemorative issue coin celebrating the foundation of Constantine I’s brand new capital of the Eastern half of the Empire, with Rome remaining the capital of the West. Constantinopolis later became Byzantium and is now Istanbul in modern Turkey. The front of the coin depicts the personification of Constantinopolis. The image on the reverse depicts Victory, a very common image on coinage, as a symbol of military success. She is easily identifiable by her wings.
RAMM acquired the Seaton Down hoard with help from a generous donation by Patrick and Sally Long, Clinton Devon Estates, Thomson Reuters, Devon County Council and many members of the public. Patrick and Sally Long were particularly keen that the coins are preserved for inspiration and wonder of children.
The conservation and display of the hoard and a project to engage with East Devon schools and communities was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with further public donations.
It is a commemorative issue coin celebrating the foundation of Constantine I’s brand new capital of the Eastern half of the Empire, with Rome remaining the capital of the West. Constantinopolis later became Byzantium and is now Istanbul in modern Turkey. The front of the coin depicts the personification of Constantinopolis. The image on the reverse depicts Victory, a very common image on coinage, as a symbol of military success. She is easily identifiable by her wings.
RAMM acquired the Seaton Down hoard with help from a generous donation by Patrick and Sally Long, Clinton Devon Estates, Thomson Reuters, Devon County Council and many members of the public. Patrick and Sally Long were particularly keen that the coins are preserved for inspiration and wonder of children.
The conservation and display of the hoard and a project to engage with East Devon schools and communities was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with further public donations.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 20/2016/379
- Collection Class
- Devon archaeology
- Collection Area Region
- Northern Europe
- Collector Excavator
- Alex Farnell, AC Archaeology
- Material
- copper alloy
- Common Name
- Seaton Down Hoard coin, nummus commemorating Constantinopolis
- Simple Name
- coin
- Inscription Transcription
- ; CONSTANTINOPLE
- Period Classification
- Roman (43-410)
- Production Year Low
- 330
- Production Year High
- 335
