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RIC IX Constantinople 71B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Constantinople 71B. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Theodosius I. Mint: Constantinople. The obverse shows bust of Theodosius I, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows constantinopolis, helmeted, head right, seated facing, on throne ornamented with lions' heads, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT/X/MVLT/XV, right foot on prow, with the legend CONCOR-DIA AVGGG.

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

Theodosius I reigned as Roman emperor from 379 to 395, initially ruling the eastern provinces following his appointment by Emperor Gratian after the Battle of Adrianople. During his reign, he convened the First Council of Constantinople in 381 and eventually became the last emperor to govern the entire Roman Empire before its division between his sons Arcadius and Honorius.

This gold coin is a solidus, a highly pure gold denomination introduced in the early fourth century to replace the aureus, which also served as the primary gold coin of commerce from late Roman times into the Early Middle Ages. Produced at the mint of Constantinople, the coin features the obverse legend "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG" and a reverse depicting Constantinopolis with the legend "CONCOR-DIA AVGGG", holding a shield inscribed "VOT/X/MVLT/XV".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Constantinople
Authority
Theodosius I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Theodosius I, rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Constantinopolis, helmeted, head right, seated facing, on throne ornamented with lions' heads, holding sceptre and shield inscribed VOT/X/MVLT/XV, right foot on prow
Obverse legend
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
CONCOR-DIA AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Constantinople 71B
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
CONCOR-DIA AVGGG
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 Constantinople 47B

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

  • RIC IX Constantinople 70B

    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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