A.D. 337-348 Roman Follis Bronze Hand of God w/Chariot Reverse

Constantine The Great And The Hand Of God

These coins are from the period directly after the death of Constantine the Great (A.D. 272-337), the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. It's an ancient Roman Bronze Follis that shows Constantine wearing a customary burial shroud on one side while the coin's reverse shows the Hand of God reaching down from Heaven to touch the finger of the first Christian Emperor as he is being flown to Heaven in a Roman chariot. This is significant because it represents the first depiction of the Christian God on a Roman coin. The image also shows an eerie resemblance to Michelangelo's Creation of Adam painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 1,200 years later. Was this just a coincidence, or did the Renaissance artist use this coin as a model? Compare the coin to the painting and decide for yourself.

Led By The Hand Of God Into A New Age

The importance of this coin and its design cannot be overstated. The design was used during his lifetime and to Constantine and his heirs, it served as a widespread symbol not only of his personal faith, but also of his divine right to rule his empire and lead it into a new Christian age. Many point to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in A.D. 312 as the turning point for Christianity in the Empire. Upon receiving an omen, Constantine had his men paint the Christogram on their shields before battle, and although they were up against a much larger enemy, they emerged from the carnage victorious, granting credibility to Christianity.

An Ancient Heirloom Found Only In Museums

Now more than 1,675 years old, this "Hand of God" Roman Bronze Follis coin is an ancient heirloom that's usually found only in museum archives and some private collections around the world—until now. That's right: Now you can secure this important piece of Western history in nice, Very Fine (VF) condition. Each Follis also comes in a fact-filled story album.