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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VI Serdica 6b

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VI Serdica 6b. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Galerius. Mint: Serdica. The obverse shows head of Galerius, laureate, right, with the legend IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows hercules, standing right, leaning on club with right hand and holding up apple(s) and lion's skin in left hand, with the legend HERCVLI - VICTORI.

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

Galerius participated in the Roman imperial system of government known as the Tetrarchy. He served as caesar under Emperor Diocletian before being promoted to augustus upon Diocletian's abdication in 305. During his career, Galerius led campaigns across the Danube and secured victories against the Sasanian Empire. His reign as emperor lasted until 311, when he issued the Edict of Serdica, the city where this gold coin was minted.

The aureus served as the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD, when the solidus replaced it. Valued originally at twenty-five silver denarii, the aureus provided high-value currency across imperial territories. This issue features an obverse portrait with the legend "IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG", while the reverse displays the legend "HERCVLI - VICTORI" and depicts Hercules standing with a club, apples, and a lion skin.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Serdica
Authority
Galerius

Design

Obverse
Head of Galerius, laureate, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with right hand and holding up apple(s) and lion's skin in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
HERCVLI - VICTORI

Identification

Type reference
RIC VI Serdica 6b
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP MAXIMIANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
HERCVLI - VICTORI
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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