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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VI Ostia 48

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VI Ostia 48. Denomination: AE2. Authority: Maxentius. Mint: Ostia. The obverse shows head of Maxentius, laureate, right, with the legend IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows mars, cloak flying, advancing left, holding branch in right hand and shield and spear in left hand, with the legend MARTI C-O-MITI AVG N or MARTI COM-ITI AVG N.

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

Maxentius ruled as Roman emperor from 306 until his death in 312, holding power over Italy and North Africa with the recognition of the Senate in Rome. Although unrecognised by his fellow emperors, he was the son of former Emperor Maximian and resided permanently in Rome, where he engaged in extensive building projects until his defeat by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.

Produced at the mint of Ostia, this bronze AE2 was issued under Maxentius's authority. The obverse features the emperor's laureate portrait accompanied by the inscription "IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG". The reverse depicts the deity Mars advancing left with a branch, spear, and shield, accompanied by the legend "MARTI C-O-MITI AVG N" or "MARTI COM-ITI AVG N".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE2

Technical characteristics

Mint
Ostia
Authority
Maxentius

Design

Obverse
Head of Maxentius, laureate, right
Reverse
Mars, cloak flying, advancing left, holding branch in right hand and shield and spear in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
MARTI C-O-MITI AVG N or MARTI COM-ITI AVG N

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Ostia 48
Denomination and metal
AE2, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP C MAXENTIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
MARTI C-O-MITI AVG N or MARTI COM-ITI AVG N
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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