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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Libius Severus 2709

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Libius Severus 2709. Denomination: Tremissis. Authority: Libius Severus. Mint: Comitatensian. The obverse shows bust of Libius Severus, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N LIB SEVE-RVS P F AVG. The reverse shows cross within a wreath.

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

Libius Severus ruled as Western Roman emperor from 19 November 461 until his death on 14 November 465. A native of Lucania, he attained the throne following the overthrow of his predecessor, Majorian, by the magister militum Ricimer. Severus was the fourth of the emperors following the deposition of the Valentinianic dynasty in 455, reigning during a period in which Ricimer held significant influence over imperial affairs.

Struck at the Comitatensian mint, this gold tremissis represents a denomination introduced into Roman currency in the 380s by Emperor Theodosius I. Valued at one third of a solidus, the small pure gold coin remained a regular component of late Roman coinage. The obverse presents a draped, cuirassed, and rosette-diademed bust of the emperor accompanied by the inscription "D N LIB SEVE-RVS P F AVG", while the reverse displays a cross within a wreath.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Tremissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Comitatensian
Authority
Libius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Libius Severus, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Cross within a wreath
Obverse legend
D N LIB SEVE-RVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Libius Severus 2709
Denomination and metal
Tremissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N LIB SEVE-RVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
Research required
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 Libius Severus 2726

    Same ruler, denomination and reverse type; reverse legend not recorded in the source. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC X Libius Severus 2727

    Same ruler, denomination and reverse type; reverse legend not recorded in the source. 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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