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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VI Nicomedia 5a

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VI Nicomedia 5a. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Diocletian. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows head of Diocletian, laureate, right, with the legend DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows jupiter, chlamys hanging behind, standing left (or standing front, head left), holding thunderbolt in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left hand, with the legend IOVI CONS-ERVATORI or IOVI CONSE-RVATORI.

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, having been proclaimed emperor by troops following the death of Numerian. Ruling the Eastern Empire as senior Augustus within the Tetrarchy, Diocletian reorganised the provincial divisions and established new administrative centres closer to the frontiers, including at Nicomedia, where this coin was struck. He took the nickname Jovius as part of his autocratic presentation of imperial rule.

This aureus was struck as part of the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, which served from the first century BC until its replacement by the solidus in the early fourth century AD. The obverse depicts the emperor with the title "DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG", while the reverse invokes Jupiter with the legend "IOVI CONS-ERVATORI" or "IOVI CONSE-RVATORI", depicting the deity holding a thunderbolt and leaning upon a sceptre.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Diocletian

Design

Obverse
Head of Diocletian, laureate, right
Reverse
Jupiter, chlamys hanging behind, standing left (or standing front, head left), holding thunderbolt in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left hand
Obverse legend
DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
IOVI CONS-ERVATORI or IOVI CONSE-RVATORI

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Nicomedia 5a
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
IOVI CONS-ERVATORI or IOVI CONSE-RVATORI
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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