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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IX Antioch 2D

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Antioch 2D. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Valens. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N VALENS-PER F AVG.

The reverse shows emperor, head right, standing facing, holding labarum (or standard with cross) and Victory on globe, with the legend RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE.

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 appointed co-emperor by his elder brother Valentinian I to govern the eastern half of the Roman Empire. During his reign, Valens contended with the usurper Procopius, Gothic campaigns across the Danube, and persistent threats along the eastern frontier, particularly involving Persia, Armenia, Saracens, and Isaurians, before being killed at the Battle of Adrianople in 378.

This gold coin was struck at the mint of Antioch in Syria. The solidus was a highly pure gold denomination introduced in the early fourth century to replace the aureus, serving as the primary gold coin of commerce in Western Europe from late Roman times into the Early Middle Ages. On this issue, the obverse bears the portrait of Valens with the inscription "D N VALENS-PER F AVG", while the reverse displays the emperor holding a labarum or standard with a cross alongside Victory on a globe, accompanied by the legend "RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Valens

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Emperor, head right, standing facing, holding labarum (or standard with cross) and Victory on globe
Obverse legend
D N VALENS-PER F AVG
Reverse legend
RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Antioch 2D
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N VALENS-PER F AVG
Reverse legend to match
RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE
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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