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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Diocletian 287

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Diocletian 287. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Diocletian. Mint: Cyzicus. The obverse shows head of Diocletian, laureate, right, with the legend DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS. The reverse shows diocletian, draped, cuirassed, riding right, raising right hand, with the legend COS III.

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

Diocletian was Roman emperor from 284 until his abdication in 305. Born in Dalmatia, he rose through the military ranks and was proclaimed emperor following the deaths of Carus and Numerian, later defeating Carinus at the Battle of the Margus. Diocletian stabilised the Roman Empire, ending the Crisis of the Third Century, and governed the Eastern Empire as senior Augustus after appointing Maximian co-emperor in 286.

This gold aureus was struck at the mint of Cyzicus. The aureus served as the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD, having been standardised during the imperial period. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the legend "DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS", while the reverse depicts him draped and cuirassed on horseback with his right hand raised, inscribed with the consular legend "COS III".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Cyzicus
Authority
Diocletian

Design

Obverse
Head of Diocletian, laureate, right
Reverse
Diocletian, draped, cuirassed, riding right, raising right hand
Obverse legend
DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
COS III

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Diocletian 287
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
DIOCLETIANVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
COS III
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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