Constantine I: Ghost Emperor - Posthumous Coins from 1680 Years Ago

Ghost Emperor Constantine I AD 337 shown in an authentic historical album image with ethereal veil, misty blue-gray tones, and cinematic lighting.

Imagine bronze coins showing an emperor ruling from beyond the grave—these "Ghost Emperor" pieces of Constantine the Great bear his veiled, spectral portrait, struck by his sons after his death in AD 337 to claim his divine authority.​

Kinzer Coins presents these authentic NGC-certified coins through albums, helping newcomers explore late Roman numismatics with expert curation and historical context.​

Why "Ghost Emperor"?

Constantine died May 22, 337 AD near Nicomedia after uniting and Christianizing Rome. His sons—Constantine II, Constans, Constantius II—faced instant threats: civil wars, Germanic invasions, legitimacy doubts.

Instead of erasing him, they issued posthumous bronzes with Constantine veiled (Roman death/deification symbol). This ghostly image signaled: "Father watches over us divinely," blending mourning, politics, and spirituality.​

Ghost Coin Design and Rarity

Obverse: Veiled Constantine facing right/left, legends like "DIVO CONSTANTINO" (Divine Constantine).
Reverse: GLORIA EXERCITVS (army glory), Victory, military standards—minted at Trier, Lyons, Arles, Rome, Siscia (337-340 AD).
Format: AE3/AE4 bronze album sets at Kinzer Coins.​

Brief 3-year run + heavy use = scarce survivors. Veiled portrait marks final Constantine phase, pagan-Christian iconography bridge.

Historical Window into Dynasty Crisis

These coins reveal sons' insecurity: needed father's image more dead than alive. Constantine's lingering presence stabilized markets amid power struggles that killed Constantine II (340 AD) and split empire.

Spiritual layer: Veil positions Constantine as sanctified ruler—first Christian emperor deified pagan-style, foreshadowing Byzantine ruler cults.​

Ghost coins = tangible proof memory shaped 4th-century politics/religion.

Start with Kinzer Coins' Ghost Emperor Album

Kinzer Coins' "New to Ancients" features this Ghost Emperor album—genuine posthumous bronzes with full context. NGC certification ensures authenticity; guides build beginner knowledge.

View collection: https://www.kinzercoins.com/shop/p/constantine-i-ghost-emperor-album-ghostempalb?rq=posthumous​

Kinzer Coins: Where newcomers discover ancient numismatics.