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RIC VIII Antioch 81

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Antioch 81. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Constantius II. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG.

The reverse shows roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, head slightly left, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX; Roma raising right arm and holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, her 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

Following his father's death, he ruled the eastern provinces, including Thrace, Greece, Egypt, and the Asian provinces, before becoming sole ruler of the Roman Empire after defeating the western usurper Magnentius in 353. His reign in the east was heavily occupied by ongoing warfare against the Sasanian Empire.

This gold solidus was produced at the mint of Antioch in Syria. The solidus denomination was introduced in the early fourth century as a replacement for the aureus and served as a highly pure gold coin of commerce throughout Late Antiquity. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the legend "FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG". On the reverse, the legend "GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE" accompanies enthroned figures of Roma and Constantinopolis holding a shield inscribed "VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Constantius II

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, head slightly left, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX; Roma raising right arm and holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, her right foot on prow
Obverse legend
FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG
Reverse legend
GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Antioch 81
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG
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
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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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