Constantine I Follis Value Guide

The Constantine I Follis is a significant numismatic relic representing the reign of the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. These bronze and billon coins served as the essential currency for daily commerce across a vast empire stretching from London to Antioch.

What affects the value of Constantine I Follis?

• The legibility of the mint mark and inscriptions significantly impacts the $10-$15 market price.
• Surface preservation, including the presence of an attractive green or brown patina, increases desirability.
• The specific reverse type, with some commemorative or religious themes being more sought after by specialists.
• Overall strike centering and the level of detail remaining in the Emperor's hair and crown.

How to Identify Constantine I Follis?

• Look for the distinct imperial portrait of Constantine the Great on the obverse side.
• Check the reverse for common motifs such as Sol Invictus, Jupiter, or military standards.
• Examine the bottom of the reverse for mint marks indicating origins like Trier, Rome, or Constantinople.
• Verify the material is a bronze alloy, sometimes containing a small percentage of silver known as billon.

History of Constantine I Follis

Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and famously issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, legalizing the religion. These bronze coins were the common currency of the everyday Roman citizen, produced in vast quantities across dozens of imperial mints from London to Antioch.