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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Leo I (East) 605

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Leo I (East) 605. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Leo I. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Leo I, 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 LEO PE-RPET AVG. The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, standing left, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field, with the legend VICTORI-A AVGGG. The obverse shows bust of Leo I, 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 LEO PE-RPET 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 Leo I (East) 607.

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

Leo I served as Eastern Roman emperor from 457 to 474, directing major military and political operations intended to support the declining Western Roman Empire and recover lost territories. His capital, Constantinople, was established in 330 by Constantine the Great and remained the eastern imperial seat. This coin represents the solidus, a highly pure gold denomination introduced in the early 4th century to replace the aureus.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Leo I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Leo I, 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 LEO PE-RPET AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORI-A AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Leo I (East) 605
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N LEO PE-RPET 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. 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 Leo I (East) 616

    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 Leo I (East) 617

    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 Leo I (East) 618

    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 Leo I (East) 630

    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 Leo I (East) 607

    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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