Constantine the Great and Aquileia: a new hoard evidence

This contribution is dedicated to a small hoard of Constantinian nummi found in Aquileia in the early ‘60s, but only recently “rediscovered” in the coin cabinet of the National Museum. 20 of the 21 coins belong to the same issue type VIRT EXERCIT, struck in AD 319 in Thessalonica, specifically conceived for the distribution to the troops and rarely attested among treasure and single finds of the entire Mediterranean area. Within the assemblage, three die-linked specimens have been detected as well as an obverse brockage coin, peculiar features proper to a uniform stock of coins concealed soon after its production. During the struggle for power against Licinius, Constantine the Great visited many times Aquileia between 318 and 319 AD as attested by ancient sources. Given the peculiar traits of the hoard, the owner should be sought among the members of the Constantinian army, following the emperor or involved in supply duties, frequently moving between Northern Italy and the Balkans during the war against the Licinian dynasty.