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RIC VI Nicomedia 41

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VI Nicomedia 41. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Galerius. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows head of Severus II, laureate, right, with the legend SEVERVS AVGVSTVS. The reverse shows hercules, standing front, head right, leaning on club with right hand and holding apples and lion's skin in left hand, with the legend HERCVLI - VICTORI N_K.

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 VI Nicomedia 32.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 aureus was issued at Nicomedia under the authority of Galerius, who served as Roman emperor between 305 and 311. Galerius participated in the Tetrarchic system of government, having initially served as caesar under Diocletian before being elevated to augustus upon Diocletian's abdication in 305. His reign as augustus saw the breakdown of the Tetrarchic system as he contended with multiple usurpers.

The aureus served as the primary gold coin of ancient Rome from the 1st century BC until its replacement by the solidus in the early 4th century AD. This issue features the laureate head of Severus II alongside the obverse legend "SEVERVS AVGVSTVS". The reverse displays the inscription "HERCVLI - VICTORI N_K" accompanying a depiction of Hercules standing front, leaning on a club with his right hand, and holding apples and a lion's skin in his left hand.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Galerius

Design

Obverse
Head of Severus II, laureate, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing front, head right, leaning on club with right hand and holding apples and lion's skin in left hand
Obverse legend
SEVERVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
HERCVLI - VICTORI N_K

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Nicomedia 41
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
SEVERVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
HERCVLI - VICTORI N_K
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 VI Nicomedia 32

    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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