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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VI Ostia 89

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VI Ostia 89. Denomination: AE3. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Ostia. The obverse shows bust of Constantine I, laureate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows sol, chlamys hanging behind (occasionally flying out), standing left (or standing front, head left), raising right hand and holding up globe in left hand, with the legend SOLI IN-VI-CTO COMITI or SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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

Proclaimed emperor by his army at Eboracum in 306 following the death of his father, he took part in the civil wars of the Tetrarchy, contending against rivals such as Maxentius and Licinius to eventually become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire by 324.

This bronze AE3 denomination was struck at the mint of Ostia under the authority of Constantine I. The obverse carries his imperial titles with the inscription "IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts Sol raising his right hand and holding a globe, accompanied by the inscription "SOLI IN-VI-CTO COMITI" or "SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI". Although Constantine lived much of his life as a pagan, he later converted to Christianity.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE3

Technical characteristics

Mint
Ostia
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantine I, laureate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Sol, chlamys hanging behind (occasionally flying out), standing left (or standing front, head left), raising right hand and holding up globe in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SOLI IN-VI-CTO COMITI or SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Ostia 89
Denomination and metal
AE3, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP C CONSTANTINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SOLI IN-VI-CTO COMITI or SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI
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 Ostia 83

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC VI Ostia 85

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC VI Ostia 91

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks 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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