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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Valentinian III 2049

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Valentinian III 2049. Denomination: Semissis. Authority: Valentinian III. Mint: Ravenna. The obverse shows bust of Valentinian III, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting on a low column a shield inscribed ☧ to which she points; a small winged genius supports it from the other side, with the legend VICTORIA 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

Valentinian III, born Placidus Valentinianus, ruled as Western Roman emperor from 425 to 455. Assuming power in childhood as the youngest sole emperor in the West, he belonged to both the Valentinianic and Theodosian dynasties. His long reign was shaped by internal civil conflicts between rival generals as well as barbarian incursions, during which his mother Galla Placidia and the military commander Flavius Aetius exercised significant influence.

Struck at the mint of Ravenna, this gold semissis names the emperor in the obverse legend "D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG". The reverse bears the inscription "VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM" alongside a depiction of Victory seated upon a cuirass.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Semissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Ravenna
Authority
Valentinian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valentinian III, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass, supporting on a low column a shield inscribed ☧ to which she points; a small winged genius supports it from the other side
Obverse legend
D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Valentinian III 2049
Denomination and metal
Semissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA 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 Valentinian III 2013

    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 Valentinian III 2048

    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.
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