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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IX Antioch 15B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Antioch 15B. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Valens. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Valentinian I, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N VALENTINI-ANVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows roma, helmeted and Constantinopolis, turreted, seated on throne, Roma facing, Constantinopolis turning head towards right, each holding sceptre and both together shield inscribed VOT/X/MVL/XX; Constantinopolis resting right foot on prow, with the legend GLORIA-R☧O-MANORVM.

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

Valens was Roman emperor from 364 to 378, having been named co-emperor by his elder brother Valentinian I, who assigned him the eastern half of the Roman Empire to rule. Focusing largely on the eastern frontier against the perennial threat of Persia, Valens oversaw administration and coinage across eastern territories, including mints such as Antioch in Syria.

This gold solidus represents the primary gold denomination introduced in the early fourth century to replace the aureus, serving as the main gold coin of commerce in late Roman times. Struck under the authority of Valens at Antioch, the coin portrays his co-emperor Valentinian I on the obverse with the legend "D N VALENTINI-ANVS P F AVG". The reverse bears the legend "GLORIA-R☧O-MANORVM" alongside Roma and Constantinopolis holding a shield inscribed "VOT/X/MVL/XX".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Valens

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valentinian I, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted and Constantinopolis, turreted, seated on throne, Roma facing, Constantinopolis turning head towards right, each holding sceptre and both together shield inscribed VOT/X/MVL/XX; Constantinopolis resting right foot on prow
Obverse legend
D N VALENTINI-ANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
GLORIA-R☧O-MANORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Antioch 15B
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N VALENTINI-ANVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
GLORIA-R☧O-MANORVM
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 IX Antioch 15A

    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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