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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Basiliscus 1003

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Basiliscus 1003. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Basiliscus. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Basiliscus, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm, with the legend D N bASILIS-C(rev.U)S PP AVG. The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, standing left, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field, with the legend VICTORI-A AVGGG.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC X Basiliscus 1011, RIC X Basiliscus 1012, RIC X Basilicus 3304, RIC X Basilicus 3312.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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

Basiliscus, brother-in-law to Emperor Leo I, ruled as Eastern Roman emperor from 9 January 475 to August 476. He came to power after joining a conspiracy against Emperor Zeno, who had fled the throne, whereupon Basiliscus persuaded the Eastern Roman Senate to acclaim him emperor. This solidus was produced for his imperial authority at Constantinople, the eastern capital of the Roman Empire founded on the site of Byzantium.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Basiliscus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Basiliscus, helmeted, pearl-diademed, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, standing left, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field
Obverse legend
D N bASILIS-C(rev.U)S PP AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORI-A AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Basiliscus 1003
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N bASILIS-C(rev.U)S PP AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORI-A AVGGG
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 Basiliscus 1005

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

  • RIC X Basiliscus 1010

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

  • RIC X Basiliscus 1011

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC X Basiliscus 1012

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC X Basilicus 3304

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC X Basilicus 3312

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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