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RIC X Arcadius 19

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Arcadius 19. Denomination: Tremissis. Authority: Arcadius. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, advancing front, head left, holding wreath in right hand and cross on a globe in left hand, with the legend VICTORIA - AVGVSTORVM.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Arcadius was Roman emperor from 383 until his death in 408. The eldest son of Theodosius I and Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Honorius, he ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire from Constantinople following his father's death in 395. Contemporary opinion regarded him as a weak ruler who was dominated by his wife, Aelia Eudoxia, and a succession of powerful ministers.

This gold tremissis was struck at the eastern capital of Constantinople. The denomination, meaning "a third of a unit", had been introduced into Roman currency in the 380s by Arcadius's father, Theodosius I, representing one third of the value of a solidus. The coin features Arcadius on the obverse accompanied by the legend "D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts a winged Victory holding a wreath and a cross on a globe, inscribed with "VICTORIA - AVGVSTORVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Tremissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Arcadius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, advancing front, head left, holding wreath in right hand and cross on a globe in left hand
Obverse legend
D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA - AVGVSTORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Arcadius 19
Denomination and metal
Tremissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N ARCADI-VS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA - AVGVSTORVM
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC X Arcadius 34

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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