Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1030

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1030. Denomination: Tremissis. 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 - EƮ MARC P AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, advancing front, head left, holding wreath in right hand and cross on globe in left hand; star in right field, 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

Basiliscus reigned as Eastern Roman emperor from 9 January 475 until August 476, having gained power after Emperor Zeno fled Constantinople. Although Basiliscus's sister, Empress Verina, had conspired to install Patricius on the throne, Basiliscus persuaded the Eastern Roman Senate to acclaim him instead. During his brief rule in Constantinople, he shared imperial authority with Flavius Marcus before Zeno regained the throne.

This gold tremissis was produced at the mint of Constantinople under the authority of Basiliscus and Marcus. Introduced under Emperor Theodosius I during the 380s, the tremissis was a small pure gold denomination representing one third of a solidus. Its obverse legend, "D N bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P AVG", names the co-rulers, while the reverse pairs the inscription "VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM" with Victory holding a wreath and a cross on a globe.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Tremissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Basiliscus; Flavius Marcus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Basiliscus or Marcus, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, advancing front, head left, holding wreath in right hand and cross on globe in left hand; star in right field
Obverse legend
D N bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Basiliscus and Marcus 1030
Denomination and metal
Tremissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N bASILISCI - EƮ MARC P 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

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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference