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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VI Nicomedia 14

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

This object is an aureus catalogued under the type reference RIC VI Nicomedia 14. Its obverse depicts the laureate head of Maximian facing right, accompanied by the obverse legend MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS. The reverse design features the inscription XX / MAXI/MIAN/I AVG / SMN contained within a laurel wreath, with no separate reverse legend recorded.

The coin is recorded as being made of gold. It is documented under the mint of Nicomedia and the authority of Diocletian. The catalogue entry lists no recorded date, maker, physical measurements, or specific manufacturing technique. In the RIC / OCRE catalogue, the object is registered under the reference number ric.6.nic.14, with the entry sourced from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire. A specific holding institution is not provided in the data.

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

His reign brought an end to the Crisis of the Third Century and established the Tetrarchy, appointing Maximian as Augustus and co-emperor in 286 to rule the Western Empire while Diocletian governed the east. Diocletian reorganized the imperial administration and established new administrative centres closer to the frontiers, including Nicomedia.

The aureus served as the principal gold coin of ancient Rome from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD. Struck under the authority of Diocletian at the Nicomedia mint, this gold piece features his co-emperor Maximian, bearing the obverse legend MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS. The reverse design displays an inscription naming Maximian within a laurel wreath, terminating with the mint mark SMN for Nicomedia.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Diocletian

Design

Obverse
Head of Maximian, laureate, right
Reverse
XX / MAXI/MIAN/I AVG / SMN within a laurel wreath
Obverse legend
MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Nicomedia 14
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
MAXIMIANVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
Research required
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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