Constantine I (307-337). Multiple of 2 solidi, imperial stay and vicennalia (20th anniversary of reign) ND (c.326), Thessalonica.

ROMAN EMPIRE Constantine I (307-337). Multiple of 2 solidi, Imperial stay and vicennalia (20th anniversary of reign) ND (c.326), Thessalonica.
Obv. CONSTANTINVS - AVG. Head of the Emperor wearing a headband, facing right.
Rev. SENA-TVS. The Emperor, standing facing left, with a diadem, a toga, holding a scepter in his left hand and a globe in his right hand ; below (mint)
RIC.- (cf. 272 = Depeyrot p.153 (Rome, 4 ½ solidi) ; Gold - 8,72g - 26,3 mm - 6h.
From a Tkalec sale, in 1998, from a banker’s collection, then Numismatica Ars Classica 88, October 8th 2015, n°499 and Numismatica Ars Classica 111, September 24th 2018, n°225
Well struck on a wide flan. Few traces of manipulation with minimal hairlines on the fields. The mint lustre is barely burnished, with a very pleasant golden patina. Spectacular, with a magnificent bust. This is the only known example !

In 326, Constantine I The Great shares the consulate with Constantius II, his second son whom he had with Fausta, who was already Caesar since November 324 and the defeat of Licinius I. The Codex Theodosianus indicates that Constantine is present at Heraclea on February 3rd and march 5th, then at Constantinople on march 8th. From Constantinople, he probably stopped in Thessalonica before continuing to the west, arriving in Aquileia at the beginning of april to inaugurate a stay in Italy that will last almost eight months. There, Constantine attended some celebrations of his 20th anniversary of reign as well as the 10th birthdays of his two eldest sons, Crispus and Constantine II. This medallion could have been distributed at the beginning of april 326 in Thessalonica. 326 is also the year of Constantine’s conversion. According to Zosimus, he was overcome with remorse after having killed his eldest son Crispus, son of Minervina, his first spouse or concubine, as well as his nephew, Licinius Junior. His second wife Fausta dies under tragic circumstances locked in overheated baths, in 326 or 329. According to Zosimus, Constantine abandons the ancient religion for Christianity “which includes the promise that the infidels that converts to it are immediately cleanse of all crime”.