Seaton Down Hoard coin, nummus of Deified Constantine I
Description
A nummus of the type that weighed 1/132 of a pound. It is one of 7 similar coins from the Seaton Down Hoard. It was made around AD 337-340 in Trier, in modern Germany and issued by the House of Constantine.
This coin is a commemorative coin issued after the death of Constantine I. It was common to show images of emperors deified after their deaths. Constantine I’s faith was very important to him and he put much of his success down to his Christian beliefs, which may be why the image on the reverse of the coin was chosen, which depicts Constantine I ascending into Heaven on a chariot drawn by four horses abreast, known as a quadriga, as the hand of God reaches down to him.
RAMM acquired the Seaton Down hoard with help from a generous donation by Patrick and Sally Long, Clinton Devon Estates, Thomson Reuters, Devon County Council and many members of the public. Patrick and Sally Long were particularly keen that the coins are preserved for inspiration and wonder of children. The conservation and display of the hoard and a project to engage with East Devon schools and communities was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with further public donations.
