Helena (AD 324–328/30) Roman Empire BI Nummus NGC F

Helena — Augusta and Mother of Constantine the Great

This billon nummus represents Helena, mother of Constantine I and one of the most honored women of the Constantinian dynasty.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Helena
• Reign and issue period: Augusta AD 324–328/30
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Nummus
• Composition: BI (billon or silvered copper alloy)
• NGC grade: F — Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 12
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Helena — From Imperial Mother to Christian Memory

Helena was the mother of Constantine I and received the title Augusta in AD 324. Her elevation strengthened the dynasty’s public identity, and her portraits appeared on coins alongside those of other members of the imperial household.

Late in life Helena traveled to the eastern provinces and became associated with imperial patronage of Christian sites in the Holy Land. Later tradition connected her with discovery of the True Cross, though the earliest accounts of her journey do not all include that story.

What the Coin Tells Us

The nummus had declined in size and precious-metal content since its introduction under Diocletian, but it remained a key bronze denomination of the early fourth century. Many examples retained traces of a thin silvered surface.

Helena’s coinage publicized her standing as Augusta and honored the emperor’s mother as a source of dynastic legitimacy. It also became part of the material culture surrounding her later Christian veneration.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one billon nummus of Helena in an NGC Ancients holder, graded F (Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.