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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1024

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1024. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Basiliscus; Flavius Marcus. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Basiliscus or Marcus, 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 bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, standing left, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field, with the legend VICTORI-A AVGGG.

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

Basiliscus served as Eastern Roman emperor from 9 January 475 until August 476, having gained power after the flight of Emperor Zeno from Constantinople. Supported initially by members of the imperial court, Basiliscus was acclaimed emperor by the Senate. During his reign, he issued coinage jointly with Flavius Marcus from the imperial capital of Constantinople.

This piece is a solidus, a denomination introduced in the early 4th century to replace the aureus as a highly pure gold coin of the Later Roman Empire. In Late Antiquity, the solidus also functioned as an administrative unit of weight equivalent to 1⁄72 of a Roman pound. The coin bears the obverse inscription "D N bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P AVG" alongside the reverse legend "VICTORI-A AVGGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Basiliscus; Flavius Marcus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Basiliscus or Marcus, 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 bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORI-A AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1024
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P 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

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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