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RIC VII Nicomedia 42

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Nicomedia 42. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Licinius. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows bust of Licinius II, draped, cuirassed, facing front, with the legend D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C.

The reverse shows jupiter, nude, chlamys draped across left shoulder, seated front in high-backed throne on platform inscribed SIC •V•/SIC •X•, holding Victory on globe in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left hand; at feet, eagle with wreath, with the legend IOVI CONSER-VATORI CAESS.

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

The Roman emperor Licinius ruled from 308 to 324, acting for most of his reign as the colleague and rival of Constantine I. During this period, the Roman Empire witnessed the joint proclamation of the Edict of Milan, which granted official toleration to Christians. Licinius's reign ultimately concluded after his defeat at the Battle of Chrysopolis in 324 and his subsequent execution.

This aureus was produced at the mint of Nicomedia under the authority of Licinius. The denomination served as the primary gold coin of ancient Rome from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD, when the solidus replaced it. The issue features Licinius II on the obverse with the title "D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C", alongside a reverse depicting Jupiter enthroned above a platform marked "SIC •V•/SIC •X•" and bearing the legend "IOVI CONSER-VATORI CAESS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Licinius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Licinius II, draped, cuirassed, facing front
Reverse
Jupiter, nude, chlamys draped across left shoulder, seated front in high-backed throne on platform inscribed SIC •V•/SIC •X•, holding Victory on globe in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left hand; at feet, eagle with wreath
Obverse legend
D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
Reverse legend
IOVI CONSER-VATORI CAESS

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Nicomedia 42
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
Reverse legend to match
IOVI CONSER-VATORI 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
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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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