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RIC VIII Thessalonica 160

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC VIII Thessalonica 160. Denomination: Light miliarensis. Authority: Constantius II. Mint: Thessalonica. The obverse shows bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows soldier, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, standing front, head right, holding inverted spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield, with the legend VIRTVS - EXERCITVS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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, having previously been raised to Caesar by his father, Constantine the Great, in 324. Following his father's death, he became Augustus alongside his brothers Constantine II and Constans, receiving Greece, Thrace, the Asian provinces, and Egypt. After civil wars against the usurper Magnentius, who had assassinated Constans, Constantius became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire in 353.

Struck at the mint of Thessalonica, this silver light miliarensis features Constantius II on the obverse accompanied by the legend "D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG". The reverse depicts a helmeted soldier holding an inverted spear and resting a hand on a shield, bearing the legend "VIRTVS - EXERCITVS". This coinage relates to an imperial administration marked by recurring warfare on the frontiers against the Sasanian Empire and Germanic peoples.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Light miliarensis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Thessalonica
Authority
Constantius II

Design

Obverse
Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, draped, cuirassed, standing front, head right, holding inverted spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield
Obverse legend
D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS - EXERCITVS

Identification

Type reference
RIC VIII Thessalonica 160
Denomination and metal
Light miliarensis, Silver
Obverse legend to match
D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS - EXERCITVS
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

Varieties

  • RIC VIII Thessalonica 203

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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