Imperial

Lot 1944    SESSION 12 (11.30AM THURSDAY 24TH NOV)    Imperial

Estimate $250
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $150

VETRANIO, (350 A.D.), AE 23 (centenionalis), Thessalonica Mint, (5.71 g), obv. Around D N VETRAN IO P F AVG,laureate bust right, of Vetranio, draped and cuirassed; rev. CONCORDIA MILITVM around, in exergue . T S A . , in field to left A, in field to right B, Emperor diademed, bare headed and in military dress, standing facing, head to left, holding in each hand a standard with Chi-Rho on the banner over his head a star, (Cf.S.18904, RIC 132). Brown patina, attractive extremely fine and rare.

A similar example in our Sale 125 (lot 4924) realised $300.

The Chi-rho symbol as appears on both standards held by Vetranio is an ancient Christian symbol. This symbol or Christogram is made by overlaying the first two letters XP of the Greek word for Christ. It first appeared on a medallion made by Constantine I in 316 and was the symbol he saw at the battle of Milvian Bridge on 27 October 312 outside Rome against the usurper Maxentius. This symbol was placed on the standard and also on every shield by his soldiers. Several Christian emperors utilised this symbol on coins throughout the 4th century.