There is also negative evidence for a change in what was regarded as appropriate
on Roman coins in the new religious atmosphere. Designs may not have undergone
a thorough-going Christianization, but they were substantially de-paganized. After
318, then, no more images of Sol the Unconquered Companion of the Emperor
(fig. 11.38), or of the Geniusof the Roman People on the base-metal coinage made
in Constantine’s realm in the western empire, a change that spread empire-wide after
Licinius’ defeat in 324. Some less offensive figures persisted, especially Victory, who
remained common throughout the fourth century and would eventually turn into an
angel bearing the True Cross under Theodosius II in the fifth (fig. 11.39). The personi-
fications of Roma and Constantinopolis also retain a foothold. But others peter out in
the fourth century: a type from the 320s with the legend SALVS REI PVBLICAE
(“the salvation of the state”) still shows a figure of the goddess Salus holding
two small children to her bosom (fig. 11.40). In the late 380s the same legend is
illustrated by Victory dragging a bound captive accompanied by a chi-rhosymbol in
the field (fig. 11.41). At Rome in the mid-fifth century, the type is simply that of a
cross (fig. 11.42). This sequence provides an illuminating commentary on changing
notions of what made the Roman state secure. The increasing lack of a full range
Religion and Roman Coins 161Figure 11.37 Base-silver coin of the usurper-emperor Vetranio (ad350), showing him
holding the labarum, a standard decorated with the Christian chi-rho symbol. 19 mm.Figure 11.38 Base-silver coin of Constantine I, ad318, one of the last issues to depict
the image of Sol, the pagan Sun-god. 19 mm.
Figure 11.39 Gold solidusof the empress Eudocia, wife of Theodosius II, c. ad423 – 4,
showing an angel with the True Cross. 22 mm.