The first instance of a chirho on a coin of constantine is on a rare silver medallion issued from ticinum in 315. Chi rho synonyms, chi rho pronunciation, chi rho translation, english dictionary definition of chi rho. The history of roman coins can be divided into three distinct periods. A vain, effeminate man who loved to adorn his body and the full length of his arms, with jewellery. He had his men paint the chi rho on their shields, symbolizing the first two letters of christ, and he had a standard created, called the labarum, which featured a cross and the chi rho.
Original unique design with beautiful details and amazing art work. There is a coin bearing the image of constantine in armor. By the year 350, the chirho began to be used on christian. Helena nf coins nf for nobilissima femina are small bronze coins, quite rare, for only a few of them were struck. A rare silver medallion of 315 shows constantine with a chirho symbol as the crest of his helmet, and eusebius life of constantine records that he often wore such a helmet in later life, although it is not visible in other bronze coins. The chi rho symbol is frequently found on the reverse of coins. Some coins depict the image of constantine, an unlikely ruler. Notably, they differ from the labarum of constantine in having the chirho depicted on the cloth rather than above it, and in having their staves decorated with phalerae as were earlier roman military unit standards. There is a very detailed and an intricately designed frame which makes the ring an extremely unique and attractive piece. Many of these coins were struck with pagan iconography, just before his conversion to christianity. Mar 04, 2007 it is the chi rho form which appears on constantine s coins as well as those of magnentius. The labarum was a vexillum military standard that displayed the chirho symbol. Ancient roman coins of constantine i the great for sale.
In older transliteration the name is rendered ninib and ninip, and in early comment. Our 45day money back guarantee makes ordering risk free. He was worshipped in babylonia and assyria and in lagash he was identified with the city god ningirsu. And so he puts the chi rho symbol on the shield, this christian symbol, on his soldiers shields, and they go forth and they beat their enemy. His helmet bears a small chi rho, the mythological roman wolf and twins appear on his shield. I cant even find anything similar on ebay even though it has near 300 ancient roman coins with chi rho on them. The chi rho is used far more commonly than the cross or cross rho, but on one issue they are. I hadnt read it for years so i reread it this morning, refreshed my mind on the subject.
The usurper magnentius appears to have been the first to use the chirho monogram flanked by alpha and omega, on the reverse of some coins minted in 353. Spes pvblic, standard with three dots, chi rho above, serpent below, officina letter a in left field. The powerful shopping cart software for web stores and ecommerce enabled stores is based on php5 with sql database with highly configurable implementation based on templates. The labarum was a vexillum military standard that displayed the chi rho symbol. The chirho symbol was also used by greek scribes to mark, in the margin, a particularly valuable or relevant passage. In prechristian times, the chi rho symbol was also to mark a particularly valuable or relevant passage in the margin of a page, abbreviating chreston good. Flavius gratianus 18 april23 may 359 25 august 383, known usually by the anglicised name gratian, was a western roman emperor from 375 to 383. Constantine was very aware of this, and let the entire roman empire know that he was the owner of this holy helmet. Constantius ii ae3 soldier holding globe and spear. This site is the labor of love for tom and luanne wood tom because he loves to do the work and luanne for putting up with it.
The emperor had coins made with the image of him wearing his helmet on the front. Coins and medallions minted during emperor constantines reign also bore the chirho. It was owing perhaps more to bags of coins like these, and the. It is a combination of a constantine obverse, paired with the reverse of a judean coin issued by antonius felix prefect of judea from a. Interestingly though, the chi rho symbol which played such an important role in establishing constantine as sole heir of the empire did not feature as a dominant motif on his coins. By the year 350, the chi rho began to be used on christian sarcophagi and frescoes. The christian symbolism in this design seems apparent to me. Christian symbolism on coins of constantine part ii. The labaruma christian version of the vexillum, the military standard used earlier in the roman empireincorporated the chi rho. Magnentius is one of my favourite of the late romans and his coins are an area i would love to devout more time to. Labarum, sacred military standard of the christian roman emperors, first used by constantine i in the early part of the 4th century ad. As a prechristian symbol, the chi ro signified good fortune. It could potentially be constantine ii, constantine s second eldest son and the augustus of spain, who liked to fancy himself the protector of his two brothers, constans and constantius ii. Le monogramme compose des lettres chi et rho preexiste au christianisme.
And there is a voice from heaven that says to constantine by this sign, go forth and conquer. A small 18 mm coin of constantine emperor, 307337 ad with an enigmatic type of a standard surmounted by a chirho chirho and planted in a serpent. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. The earliest official roman coins were created sometime around 320. The usurper magnentius appears to have been the first to use the chi rho monogram flanked by alpha and omega, on the reverse of some coins minted in 353. Constantinople ric vii 19 2 constantine i ae follis, constantinople. The reverse of the coin consists of chirho christogram within wreath. In the first hundred years of the faith, it was a secret sign for christians to identify themselves to each other and was used in catacomb art from the c. An a4 sheet is folded vertically to form a booklet that does not fall off the narrow pew shelf. It says, none of the siscia coins are of constantine i even the coins like this one with his portrait and legend are really of constantine ii who assumed the titles of constantine. Spes pvblic across the field with a in the lower left field, a chi rho topping a standard with three dots on the vexillum flaglike object, planted in a serpent with head downward.
In fact only a few, somewhat rare bronze coins minted in constantinople in about 327 ad feature this mark. Constantine the great was a roman emperor from 306337 ce. Workers find constantineera roman coins by chance during dig. These letters represented chr of the greek word christos for jesus christ. Chirho definition of chirho by the free dictionary. And from that point on, constantine honors christ as his god, as his savior. Flavius valerius constantinus, constantine the great, was the son of helena and the first tetrarchic ruler constantius i.
Anastasius 11 april 491 9 july 518, gold solidus, constantinople, officina. Chi and rho are the first two letters of christ in greek christos. But id like to focus on a narrow topic, which might yield a short thread indeed. Emperor constantine, pulling on the cultural and political power of the ancient roman title of sol invictus, or conquering sun engaged in the practice of syncretism by tying old symbols to the religious developments of his time. Chirho on constantine i coin is it as rare as it seems. The chirho emblem can be viewed as the first christian cross as a prechristian symbol, the chirho signified good fortune. This is easy to prove because there are no coins of sisica with chirho minted for the caesars all chirho coins of this type for constantius ii next and constans second next have obverse legend with avg. Constantine, who had been a worshiper of pagan god sol invictusthe unconquerable sundecided to trust in this new god who had revealed himself. This cross of light was the chi rho, the labarum, a symbol derived of the greek letters chi x and rho r.
Oct 20, 2017 constantius ii ad 337361, ae centenionalis 22mm, 5. I had been a us coin collector for almost 30 years, then several years ago found myself picking up an ancient commemorative issue of constantine the great at a gem and mineral show. The chirho can represent either christ or christianity and is also known as a christogram. Vf ngc emperor constantine i roman empire bronze coin. This symbol was said by this sign i shall conquer used by constantine i the great. Roman emperor constantine alfa omega sterling silver mens ring. Nummus depicting the head of constantine and the labarum. E this coin, engraved with the legend spes pvblicae hope of the people, shows a standard with a chi rho atop and a banner with three medallions, representing constantine and his two living sons, piercing a serpent. The riddle of the nablus collection studies in late antiquity. They settled on the greek symbols chi and rho, the first two letters for christ in greek. Mario balzic, a smalltown police chief in rocksburg, pennsylvania. The first instance of a chi rho on a coin of constantine is on a rare silver medallion issued from ticinum in 315. Ancient roman coins of constantine i the great for sale roman emperor constantine the great, 307337 ad first christian emperor of rome the first christian roman emperor, constantine converted late into his reign.
Chi rho one of the earliest forms of christogram, which is used by some christians, and was used by the roman emperor, constantine i r. Ancient bible coins biblical christianity jesus christ. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. See more ideas about chi rho, christian symbols and christian art. Rare piece, top quality, best craftsmanship, handmade. Cons indicating the mint of constantinople in exergue. Constantine was told to have his soldiers paint the greek letters chi and rho on their shields. There are only four christian symbols on roman coins of the fourth century. The chi rho symbol is frequently found on the reverse of coins issued after constantine s victory, as a control mark, and on labarum chi rho christogram standardards held by the emperor in various poses.
Skip past the newest and jump down to constantinian in. The chi ro became an important christian symbol when adopted by the roman emperor constantine, representing the first two letters in the name of christ the chi, or ch, and rho, or r. Each coin was minted to send a message, to tell a story, and to communicate the victory and power that constantine the great held over the roman empire. Product title constantine devil you know mens triblend short slee. Eusebius even stated that constantine was in the habit of wearing on his helmet the chi rho at a later period. One of the most sacred greek name codes in the bible is known as chirho.
The sign that changed the world forum ancient coins. The christian cross is prominent with a globe indicating christs worldwide dominion. Top of ring features one very identifiable symbol chi rho which is used by roman emperor constantine i. In 3 ad, constantine issued the edict of milan which announced religious toleration throughout the empire. The short answer is that constantine didnt create the chi rho christogram. On some coins, constantinopolis is holding what might be considered a cross scepter with a globe often topped with a smaller globe. To see the other pages of chi rho coins for sale, click these pages. It was first used by the roman emperor constantine the great. Chirho labarum, constantines cross, christogram, monogram.
The pronunciation of those two letters was actually chi for x and rho for the p. Continuing the iconography of his predecessors, constantines coinage at the. Son of constantine the great and coemperor alongside his brothers, his attempt to exert his perceived rights of primogeniture led to his death in a failed invasion of italy in 340. The original labarum, designed under the emperors direction on the day subsequent to the appearance of the cross of light, is described by eusebius vita constant. Although not technically a cross, the chi rho invokes the crucifixion of jesus as well as symbolizing his status as the christ.
See more ideas about constantine the great, roman empire and roman emperor. Since the vexillum consisted of a flag suspended from the crossbar of a cross, it was ideally suited to symbolize the crucifixion of christ. Constantine ii jr 337ad ancient roman coin legion labarum chi. Christian symbolism on coins of constantine the great. One of the most sacred greek name codes in the bible is known as chi rho. Jan, 2008 the chi rho emblem can be viewed as the first christian cross. This may or may not have had christian significance, but constantine first used this symbolism in a. They were minted in thessalonica, and show helenas portrait and name on the obverse and an eight. By the year 350, the chirho began to be used on christian sarcophagi and frescoes.
On coins issued in about 322 at trier, for instance, the chi rho appears as the decoration on the shield held by constantine s son crispus. Constantinvs ivn nob c, laureate, draped bust left, holding victory and mappa virtvsexercit, standard inscribed vot xx with two bound captives sitting at its base. Labarum is the name by which the military standard adopted by constantine the great after his celebrated vision lactantius, how the persecutors died 44, was known in antiquity. Constantine i cerberus ancient coins and antiquities. Coins and medallions minted during emperor constantine s reign also bore the chi rho.
This coin is a fantasy coin because it never actually existed in ancient times. I recently read valentinians page concerning christian symbolism on roman coins, found here, and discovered a fascinating type ric constantinople 19, with a chi rho topping a standard, planted in a serpent. When and how was the cross adopted as a christian symbol. The symbol of the chi rho as centurion must have been known to the greek east in the rule of constantine. The chi rho standard, or labarum, of constantine was first displayed on a circulated coin after constantine s defeat of licinius, the emperor of the east, in 324 c.
Constantine with a chirho symbol as the crest of his helmet. Knight templar chi rho silver alfa omega men ring cross of. The helmet of constantine was a helmet or form of helmet worn by the roman emperor constantine the great, now lost, which featured in his imperial iconography. The chirho pronounced keeroe is a christian symbol consisting of the intersection of the capital greek letters chi. While it was used very early by persecuted christians in the catacombs, when constantine i was struggling to become emperor, he used the symbol at the front of his armies and was victorious see below. The chi rho symbol was also used by pagan greek scribes to mark, in the margin, a particularly valuable or relevant passage. Construction workers came across 1,300 pounds of roman coins while working. Constans i roman imperial coins 27 bc476 ad for sale ebay.
Prophetic interpretations of constantines labarum coin. Alexander maximinusicarinus diocletianlicinius family of constantine jovianzeno byzantine judeanbiblical specials books. Back in 2003 i wrote an article for the celator about these symbols. He executed his son crispus on trumpedup charges of incest and boiled his own wife, fausta, to death. Flavius claudius constantinus augustus januaryfebruary 316 340 was roman emperor from 337 to 340. Of approximately 1,363 coins of constantine i in ric vii, covering the period of 3337, roughly one percent might be classified as having christian symbols. The chi rho symbol is frequently found on the reverse of coins issued after constantine s victory, as a control mark, and on labarum chi rho christogram. Labarum is the name by which the military standard adopted by constantine the great after his. Constantine is most famous for his conversion to christianity after the battle of the milvian bridge where he defeated emperor maxentius. It was first used by the roman emperor constantine i. By the time of constantines death in 337 ce, the year that this coin was. Initially she is shown holding a heavy voided cross as on the predecessor issues of zeno, but later in anastasius reign she holds a slender cross, surmounted by a chirho or a pcross.
This coin, struck by constantine s youngest son while he reigned as emperor, shows another durable early christian image. Feb 27, 20 the chi rho symbol is frequently found on the reverse of coins issued after constantines victory, as a control mark, and on labarum chi rho. There have been so many threads on constantine and christian symbols like this recent one that im somewhat reticent to begin another. Chi rhos a monogram and symbol for christ, consisting of the superimposed greek letters chi and rho, often embroidered on altar cloths and. In 318 constantine proclaimed helena nobilissima femina, and coins started to be struck with her name, titles and portrait. Constans constantine i son ancient roman coin phoenix. Sometimes it is called the monogram of christ or chrismon or labarum. Safrai, a catalogue of coin hoards and the shelf life of. Coins with the chi rho, which was a combination of the initials of jesus christ in greek, the letters x and p. There is a variation of chi rho with a vertical cross, see the coin of arcadius above lower right. Chi rho ancient roman coins, ancient greek coins, ancient. Chirho coins roman page 6 constantine i to constantius ii. The coins of constantine the great constantine the great minted a significant variety of coins during his 30 year reign from 307337 ad.