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Coins of Constantine the Great

One of the principal pagan beliefs of the Romans that enjoyed widespread popularity, observed by millions was the cult of the Sun. From the beginnings of time, people have recognized its power. It rose every day to bring light over the land. In Ancient Egypt, he was known as Ra. The Greeks knew him as Apollo¹. Sol was the name of the Roman's Sun God. (a.k.a. Mithra) He was the god that was above all others, the one with whom other deities were compared by. In Rome, the Sun played a large part of the culture. For example, the central opening in the Pantheon (built during Hadrian's time, one of the best surviving examples of Roman architecture) was representative of the solar sphere, and let its light in. The rosettes surrounding the opening are perhaps representative of the obscurity of the other deities in comparison. The worship of the Sun God was basically the state religon for many years. In 274, Aurelian established a huge temple of the Unconqerable Sun in Rome. It was to serve as the heart of the Roman's religon, much like how the Vatican is to Christans today.

Before his conversion to Christianity following his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Mivian Bridge in 312², Constantine I (the Great) had the bronze coinage of the Empire focused on the single design of the Sun God. Around the God is the legend "SOLI INVICTO COMITI" meaning "Dedicated to the Sun, the Unconqerable Companion (of the Emperor)", and beneath, the mintmark. On the obverse of course would be Constantine. This type was first struck around 309, and last struck around 318.

Notes:
1) Technically, the Greek Sun God was Helios. Apollo was the the Greek (and Roman) god of sunlight, prophecy, music, and poetry.
2) Before the Battle of Mivian Bridge, Cosntantine had a vision telling him to trust the Christian God. Following the victory, he ended the persecution of Christans and eventually made it the state religion. It is possible though that he made this up as an excuse to stop the persecution of Christans since it was acheiving nothing. His father (Constantius I) had never been a supporter of the persecutions.
3)The Sun God's birthday was December 25^th. This date was later adopted by the Christans as Christmas Day. Christans throughout history have taken parts of other religions to add to their own. Another example would be the practice of colouring Easter eggs.
4)Deis Solis (Sunday) was considered by some to be a sacred resting day.
5)Earlier coins with Sol were struck, but not in the same quantities as Constantine's. Sol is depicted on several silver antonianii.

Glory of the Army

The Gloria series of two solders with two standards was struck...

Any corrections or additions would be welcome, and credited.

Credits/References:
History of Rome, by Michael Grant.
http://sangha.net/messengers/Constantine.htm http://www.roman-emperors.org/