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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VII Nicomedia 179

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Nicomedia 179. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows bust of Constantine I, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass and shield, inscribing VOT/XXX on shield supported by genius, with the legend VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG.

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

To combat inflation, Constantine introduced the solidus, a highly pure gold coin replacing the aureus in the early 4th century. The solidus became the standard for Byzantine and European currencies for more than a thousand years and served as the main gold coin of commerce in Western Europe from late Roman times to the Early Middle Ages. Struck at Nicomedia, this issue bears the obverse title "CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG" and depicts Victory with a genius on the reverse alongside the legend "VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantine I, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated right on cuirass and shield, inscribing VOT/XXX on shield supported by genius
Obverse legend
CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Nicomedia 179
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA CONSTANTINI AVG
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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