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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Valentinian III 2051

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Valentinian III 2051. 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 ☧ within a wreath, with the legend SALVS REI PVBLICAE.

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 Valentinian III 2055.

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

Valentinian III was Roman emperor in the West from 425 to 455. Raised to the imperial rank of caesar by Theodosius II before becoming augustus at age six, his rule was one of the longest in the Western Roman Empire. A member of both the Valentinianic and Theodosian dynasties, his reign was heavily influenced by his mother, Galla Placidia, and was marked by civil strife and repeated barbarian invasions.

Struck at the mint of Ravenna, this gold semissis features the obverse inscription "D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG" referencing Placidus Valentinianus. The reverse displays a christogram within a wreath paired with the legend "SALVS REI PVBLICAE". Other related issues bearing this reverse type were also produced at alternative mints during the period.

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
☧ within a wreath
Obverse legend
D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS REI PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Valentinian III 2051
Denomination and metal
Semissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N PLA VALENTINIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS REI PVBLICAE
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 2055

    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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