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RIC VII Arelate 257

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Arelate 257. Denomination: AE2; AE3. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Arelate. The obverse shows head of Constantine I, laureate, right, with the legend CONSTAN-TINVS AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, advancing right, holding trophy in right hand and palm in left hand; spurning seated captive with left foot, with the legend SARMATIA - DEVICTA.

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

Constantine I ruled the Roman Empire from AD 306 to 337. Following his proclamation as emperor at Eboracum, he fought in the civil wars of the Tetrarchy, ultimately defeating Maxentius and Licinius to become the sole ruler of the empire by 324. His reign involved military reorganisations and multiple frontier campaigns against external tribes, including the Franks, the Alemanni, the Goths, and the Sarmatians.

Struck at the mint of Arelate, this bronze issue carries the obverse legend "CONSTAN-TINVS AVG" alongside the emperor's laureate portrait. The reverse depicts Victory holding a trophy and palm branch while spurning a seated captive, accompanied by the legend "SARMATIA - DEVICTA", commemorating Constantine's military operations and victories against the Sarmatian tribes along the Roman borders.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE2; AE3

Technical characteristics

Mint
Arelate
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Head of Constantine I, laureate, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, advancing right, holding trophy in right hand and palm in left hand; spurning seated captive with left foot
Obverse legend
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG
Reverse legend
SARMATIA - DEVICTA

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Arelate 257
Denomination and metal
AE2; AE3, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
CONSTAN-TINVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SARMATIA - DEVICTA
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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