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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Zeno (East) 930

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Zeno (East) 930. Denomination: Tremissis. Authority: Zeno. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Zeno, helmeted, pearl-diademed without jewel, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm, with the legend D N ZENO - PERP AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, standing right, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field, with the legend VICTORI-A AVGGG.

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

This gold tremissis was struck at Constantinople under the authority of the Roman emperor Zeno.

The tremissis denomination was originally introduced into the Roman currency system during the 380s by Emperor Theodosius I as a small coin of pure gold. Its name signified a third of a unit, indicating that its value was equal to one third of a solidus, and it initially weighed eight siliquae. Roman tremisses continued to be commonly minted until the eighth-century reign of Leo III, circulating throughout Late Antiquity alongside issues by various contemporary peoples. On this piece, the obverse legend records "D N ZENO - PERP AVG", while the reverse legend bears "VICTORI-A AVGGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Tremissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Zeno

Design

Obverse
Bust of Zeno, helmeted, pearl-diademed without jewel, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear in right hand behind head and shield decorated with horseman on left arm
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, standing right, supporting long jeweled cross; star in right field
Obverse legend
D N ZENO - PERP AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORI-A AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Zeno (East) 930
Denomination and metal
Tremissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N ZENO - PERP 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 Zeno (East) 929

    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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