Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Marcian 518

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Marcian 518. Denomination: Tremissis. 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, advancing front, head left, holding wreath in right hand and cross on globe in left hand; star in right field, with the legend VICTOR-IA - 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

Marcian ruled as Eastern Roman emperor from 450 to 457, having been inaugurated on 25 August 450 following the death of Theodosius II and marriage negotiations with Theodosius's sister, Pulcheria. Supported by the military commander Aspar, Marcian revoked treaties with Attila the Hun and ceased subsidy payments. By the time of his death in January 457, he left the empire with a treasury surplus of seven million solidi.

Produced at the Constantinople 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 obverse presents the emperor with the legend "D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG", while the reverse displays a winged Victory holding a wreath and a cross on a globe, accompanied by a star and the inscription "VICTOR-IA - AVGVSTORVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Tremissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Marcian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Marcian, 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 MARCIA-NVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VICTOR-IA - AVGVSTORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Marcian 518
Denomination and metal
Tremissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTOR-IA - 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

Varieties

  • RIC X Marcian 519

    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 520

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks 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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference