Constantinopolis from Siscia with equilateral cross on shield

[Victor]

This Constantinopolis commemorative has a cross-like design resembling an equilateral or Greek cross engraved on the shield. Whether or not this was meant as Christian symbolism or was just a design the engraver liked is debatable; but it is still an extraordinary example.


It seems appropriate to include the quote from Palladas, a fourth-century pagan poet, who wrote mockingly about the city of Constantinople and coins with Victories on the prow --

"Here we are, the Victories, the laughing maidens, bearing victories to the Christ-loving city. Those who loved the city fashioned us, stamping figures appropriate to the victories." (Anth. Plan. 282)



Constantinopolis Commemorative
A.D. 330-3
17mm     2.4gm
Obv. CONSTAN-TINOPOLIS laureate, helmeted, wearing imperial mantle, holding reversed spear/scepter. 
Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield engraved with equilateral cross. 
in ex.  BSIS
RIC VII Siscia 224

[Victor]

Here's another example with an engraved shield. With the dots, it doesn't look like an equilateral cross, but rather just a design that divides the shield into four equal parts.


Constantinopolis Commemorative
A.D. 330-3
18mm     2.4gm
Obv. CONSTAN-TINOPOLIS laureate, helmeted, wearing imperial mantle, holding reversed spear/scepter. 
Rev. Victory stg. on prow, holding long scepter in r. hand, and resting l. hand on shield engraved with equilateral cross. 
in ex.  BSIS
RIC VII Siscia 224

[Victor]

another example and three different dies

2.4gm 18mm

[Victor]

another example



Constantinus I. (307 - 337 n. Chr.). Constantinopolis - Prägungen.

Follis. 330 - 333 n. Chr. Siscia.
Vs: CONSTAN - TINOPOLIS. Drapierte Büste der Constantinopolis mit Helm, Lorbeerkranz und Szepter links.
Rs: Victoria mit Lanze und Schild nach links stehend, Fuß auf Schiffsbug gesetzt; im Abschnitt B SIS.

19 mm. 2,40 g.

RIC VII, S. 453, 224.
Vorzüglich.

[Genio popvli romani]

Interesting ! I've never paid attention to this detail. I do believe that it comes from how the engraver has interpreted the shape of the thyreos.
Also interesting to compare with Lyon 246 which is often represented with a Macedonian shield seen from aside.

http://www.nummus-bible-database.com/rechercher-une-monnaie.htm?page=1&personnages=15&ateliers=13&collections=&vendeurs=&motscles=&numric=247&numnbd=&legendes=&nombreResultats=50&btRechercher=Rechercher

[Victor]

Interesting ! I've never paid attention to this detail.

For the years that I collected this series, I had never seen a shield from Siscia like this, then four examples in a year.

[Victor]

here is another example   18mm   2.5gm