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Orbis Collectibles

RIC VII Thessalonica 174

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Thessalonica 174. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Thessalonica. The obverse shows bust of Constantine I, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG or CONSTANT-INVS MAX AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding trophy in right hand and palm in left hand, with the legend VICTORIA CO-NSTANTINI AVG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 designed to replace the earlier aureus. Struck at the Thessalonica mint, this solidus carries obverse legends naming the emperor as "CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG" or "CONSTANT-INVS MAX AVG". The reverse depicts a winged Victory holding a trophy and palm branch, accompanied by the inscription "VICTORIA CO-NSTANTINI AVG". In later centuries, the denomination served as a principal gold coin of commerce across Western Europe and formed the monetary standard for Byzantine and European currencies.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Thessalonica
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantine I, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding trophy in right hand and palm in left hand
Obverse legend
CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG or CONSTANT-INVS MAX AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA CO-NSTANTINI AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Thessalonica 174
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG or CONSTANT-INVS MAX AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA CO-NSTANTINI 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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