Constantine the Great (AD 274/88–337)
Cristoforo di Geremia
(Italian, ca. 1430–1476)
Dateca. 1468 (?)
MediumCopper alloy, cast
DimensionsDiam.: 2 13/16 in. (7.16 cm)
Credit LineGift of Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher, 2016
Accession number2016.2.132
CommentaryDuring the Renaissance, Emperor Constantine was looked upon as a model of both imperial and papal leadership. The composition on the reverse is based on an ancient prototype. Though the letters in the caduceus have been interpreted by John Graham Pollard as PAX (peace), their correct reading has yet to be determined.
Source: Scher, Stephen K., et al. The Scher Collection of Commemorative Medals. New York and London, 2019.
