This 4th Century Roman Imperial Bronze Coin was authenticated by the Franklin Mint in 1997 and released as a part of their Millennium Coin Collection.
Guaranteed Authentic, this bronze coin shows remarkable detail for being over 1,700 years old. The descriptive acrylic case is in excellent condition with mild surface scratches which could be buffed out with an acrylic/Lucite cleaner, if desired. As designed for this style of coin holder, the coin moves freely within the gold ring, it's not fixed centered within it.
4th Century Rome was a time of great unity and upheaval, as East and West were reunited again under Constatinus with a capital of Constantinople, only to later be divided again after his death. The division between the Eastern and Western Roman empires became permanent by the end of the fourth century despite numerous attempts to reunite it.
This bronze coin, typical of those used daily by millions of Romans in the fourth century, is a tangible symbol of the struggles faced by the divided empire. Inflation and currency debasement from silver to bronze were symptoms of the greater struggle.
Ancient coins are still found today buried and hidden among the remnants of the once great empire that shaped western civilization. In the last image, a modern day goddess peers through a widening divide in the pavement of a Roman ruin for a chance at fortune.
Case Dimensions: Length 5 and 7/8 inches, Width 5 and 7/8 inches, Height 1/4 inch