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RIC VII Arelate 273

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Arelate 273. Denomination: AE2; AE3. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Arelate. The obverse shows bust of Constantine II, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C. The reverse shows camp gate with two turrets, without doors, varying number of stone layers; star above, with the legend PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC VII Heraclea 75, RIC VII Heraclea 77, RIC VII Heraclea 97.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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, known as Constantine the Great, ruled the Roman Empire from AD 306 to 337. After being proclaimed augustus at Eboracum in 306, he fought civil wars against Maxentius and Licinius, ultimately becoming sole ruler by 324. Constantine enacted extensive government and military reforms, reorganising the army into mobile field units and frontier-garrison troops while campaigning against border tribes.

This bronze coinage was issued under the authority of Constantine I from the mint at Arelate, with related varieties produced at Heraclea. The reverse features a camp gate with two turrets, a varying number of stone layers, and a star above, alongside the legend PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE2; AE3

Technical characteristics

Mint
Arelate
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantine II, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Camp gate with two turrets, without doors, varying number of stone layers; star above
Obverse legend
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C
Reverse legend
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Arelate 273
Denomination and metal
AE2; AE3, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C
Reverse legend to match
PROVIDEN-TIAE CAESS
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 VII Arelate 289

    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 VII Heraclea 75

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC VII Heraclea 77

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC VII Heraclea 97

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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