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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Marcian 514

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Marcian 514. Denomination: Semissis. Authority: Marcian. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Marcian, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass with shield behind, supporting a shield inscribed XVXXX; 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

Marcian ruled as Eastern Roman emperor from 450 to 457, following the death of Theodosius II. Supported by the military commander Aspar and married to Theodosius's sister Pulcheria, Marcian was inaugurated on 25 August 450. His reign saw the cessation of subsidy payments to Attila the Hun, military campaigns across the Danube, and the accumulation of a substantial treasury surplus of seven million solidi by his death in January 457.

Struck at Constantinople, this gold semissis names the emperor on the obverse as "D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG". Issued during a period marked by military engagements against the Huns, the coin forms part of the imperial gold currency produced under Marcian's administration in the eastern capital.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Semissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Marcian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Marcian, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass with shield behind, supporting a shield inscribed XVXXX; star in left field, ☧ in right field
Obverse legend
D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA - AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Marcian 514
Denomination and metal
Semissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N MARCIA-NVS P F 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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