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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1028

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1028. Denomination: Semissis. Authority: Basiliscus; Flavius Marcus. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Basiliscus or Marcus, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N bASILISCI - ET MARC P AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass with shield behind, supporting shield inscribed XXXX on her left knee; star in left field; + in right field, with the legend VICTORIA AVGG.

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. Formerly a commander under Emperor Leo I, he supported a conspiracy against Emperor Zeno, who fled Constantinople in early 475. Although his sister Verina intended another candidate for the imperial throne, Basiliscus persuaded the Eastern Roman Senate to acclaim him emperor instead. During his short reign, he shared imperial authority with Flavius Marcus.

Struck at the mint of Constantinople, this gold semissis names both rulers in the obverse inscription "D N bASILISCI - ET MARC P AVG". The reverse bears the legend "VICTORIA AVGG" alongside a depiction of a winged Victory seated on a cuirass, supporting a shield inscribed "XXXX".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Semissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Basiliscus; Flavius Marcus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Basiliscus or Marcus, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass with shield behind, supporting shield inscribed XXXX on her left knee; star in left field; + in right field
Obverse legend
D N bASILISCI - ET MARC P AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1028
Denomination and metal
Semissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N bASILISCI - ET MARC P AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA AVGG
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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