Crispus Roman AE (AD 304-326) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE of Crispus (AD 304–326), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin honors the promising but ultimately tragic figure of Constantine the Great’s eldest son.

Unlike his younger half-brothers, Crispus was not "born in the purple" — meaning he was born before his father became emperor. His upbringing was therefore shaped more by military discipline and frontier life than imperial luxury, much like Constantine's own early years. This background prepared Crispus well for leadership.

At the age of 17, Crispus was elevated to the rank of Caesar and assigned command over the western provinces, including Gaul and Britain. There, he quickly proved himself a capable and popular leader, winning important battles against the Goths and helping to secure the empire’s vulnerable northern borders.

Despite his military successes and strong reputation, Crispus’ career ended tragically. In 326 AD, he fell out of favor with his father under mysterious circumstances — possibly due to court intrigue — and was executed. The true reasons for his downfall remain one of the great unresolved mysteries of Constantine’s reign.

Bronze AE coins of Crispus typically feature his youthful, laureate or helmeted portrait on the obverse, with reverses celebrating military victories, dynastic strength, and Roman stability.

Certified by NGC, this AE coin offers collectors a poignant link to a gifted young leader whose life and career were cut short before reaching their full potential.