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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Marcian 509

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Marcian 509. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Marcian. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows medium-sized bust of Marcian, 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 MARCIA-NVS P F 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 Marcian 512.

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

Marcian served as Roman emperor of the East from 450 to 457, having been elevated to the throne after the death of Theodosius II and his subsequent marriage to Theodosius's sister Pulcheria. This solidus—a gold coin denomination introduced in the early fourth century—was struck in Constantinople, which had served as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire since 330 under Constantine the Great.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Marcian

Design

Obverse
Medium-sized bust of Marcian, 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 MARCIA-NVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORI-A AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Marcian 509
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N MARCIA-NVS P F 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

Varieties

  • RIC X Marcian 508

    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 Marcian 510

    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 Marcian 524

    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 Marcian 512

    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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