Roman Empire AE Follis of Constantine I (AD 307–337)

A genuine bronze AE follis struck during the reign of Constantine I, better known as Constantine the Great, one of the most influential emperors in Roman history. His reign reshaped the empire through military victories, administrative reforms, and the legalization of Christianity, forever changing the course of Western civilization.

This coin circulated during an extraordinary period of Roman history. Constantine defeated his rivals to reunify the empire under a single ruler, founded the new imperial capital of Constantinople, and issued the Edict of Milan (AD 313), granting religious tolerance throughout the Roman world. His reforms laid the foundation for both the Byzantine Empire and medieval Europe.

This specimen was acquired directly from detectorist Marius Staszak, who personally recovered it through legal metal detecting in Europe. Based on information provided by the finder, this coin forms part of a collection of Roman and medieval coins recovered during a 2025 metal-detecting expedition through Romania and Bulgaria. The exact recovery location for this specimen was not documented at the time of discovery.

Each coin includes a printed provenance record documenting its acquisition directly from the finder and its cataloging into the Jill and the Gems historical collection.

Details

• Emperor: Constantine I (Constantine the Great)
• Reign: AD 307–337
• Type: Roman Empire AE Follis (Bronze)
• Collection Number: JTG-R-015
• Provenance: Acquired directly from the finder
• Includes: Printed provenance record

Historical Highlights

• Reunified the Roman Empire under a single emperor.
• Issued the Edict of Milan (AD 313), legalizing Christianity.
• Founded Constantinople, later the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
• One of the most influential rulers in European history.
• This coin was in circulation over 1,700 years ago.