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RIC VII Thessalonica 48

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VII Thessalonica 48. Denomination: AE2; AE3. Authority: Constantine I. Mint: Thessalonica. The obverse shows bust of Helena, waved hair, mantled, right, with the legend HELE-NA N F. The reverse shows eight-pointed star within laurel wreath. Physically, the entry records material Bronze.

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

This bronze coinage was struck under the authority of Constantine I at the mint of Thessalonica. The obverse portrays his mother, Helena, a Greek woman of low birth probably from Bithynia, accompanied by the inscription "HELE-NA N F". Later canonised as a saint, Helena is credited in some traditions with the Christian conversion of her son, though other accounts record that Constantine converted her. The reverse design features an eight-pointed star enclosed within a laurel wreath.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE2; AE3

Technical characteristics

Mint
Thessalonica
Authority
Constantine I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Helena, waved hair, mantled, right
Reverse
Eight-pointed star within laurel wreath
Obverse legend
HELE-NA N F
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC VII Thessalonica 48
Denomination and metal
AE2; AE3, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
HELE-NA N F
Reverse legend to match
Research required
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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