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RIC VIII Antioch 166

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Antioch 166. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Constantius II. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Julian, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N IVLIANV-S NOB CAES.

The reverse shows roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a wreath bearing a star; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow, with the legend GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE.

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

Constantius II was Roman emperor from 337 to 361. Following the death of his father, Constantine the Great, he initially shared rule with his brothers before becoming sole ruler of the empire after defeating the usurper Magnentius. In 355, Constantius promoted his cousin Julian to the subordinate rank of Caesar, following the execution of Julian's half-brother Constantius Gallus in 354.

This solidus was issued under the authority of Constantius II from the mint at Antioch in Syria. The denomination was a highly pure gold coin introduced in the early fourth century to replace the aureus, serving as the main gold coin of commerce in Western Europe from late Roman times. The obverse depicts Julian as Caesar with the legend "D N IVLIANV-S NOB CAES". The reverse portrays Roma and Constantinopolis holding a wreath with a star, accompanied by the inscription "GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Constantius II

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julian, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a wreath bearing a star; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow
Obverse legend
D N IVLIANV-S NOB CAES
Reverse legend
GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Antioch 166
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N IVLIANV-S NOB CAES
Reverse legend to match
GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE
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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