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RIC VII Nicomedia 70

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Nicomedia 70. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows head of Constantine I, diademed, right, looking upward.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory with wreath in right hand and cornucopiae on left arm; behind throne, shield, with the legend CONSTANTINVS 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

Constantine I ruled the Roman Empire from AD 306 to 337. Following his proclamation as emperor at Eboracum in 306, he fought in the civil wars of the Tetrarchy against Maxentius and Licinius, ultimately emerging as the sole ruler of the empire by 324. His reign brought wide-ranging governmental reorganisations and administrative reforms across the provinces.

This gold solidus was produced at the Nicomedia mint bearing the reverse legend CONSTANTINVS AVG. Constantine introduced the solidus in the early fourth century as a highly pure gold denomination designed to combat inflation, replacing the earlier aureus. The denomination went on to become the standard for European and Byzantine currencies for more than a millennium and functioned as the primary gold coin of commerce from late Roman times into the Early Middle Ages.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Head of Constantine I, diademed, right, looking upward
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, seated left on throne, holding Victory with wreath in right hand and cornucopiae on left arm; behind throne, shield
Obverse legend
Research required
Reverse legend
CONSTANTINVS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Nicomedia 70
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
Research required
Reverse legend to match
CONSTANTINVS 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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