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RIC IX Lugdunum 36A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Lugdunum 36A. Denomination: AE4. Authority: Magnus Maximus. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows bust of Magnus Maximus, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N MA-XIMVS P F AVG. The reverse shows camp-gate with star between its two turrets, with the legend SPES RO-MANORVM.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC IX Rome 59, RIC IX Treveri 87C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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

Magnus Maximus was Roman emperor in the West from 383 until his death on 28 August 388, having usurped the throne from emperor Gratian. Proclaimed emperor in Britannia in 383 and in Gaul the following year, he ruled while Valentinian II initially retained Italy, Pannonia, Hispania, and Africa. Maximus invaded Italy in 387 and was defeated by Theodosius I at the Battle of Poetovio in 388.

This bronze AE4 was struck under Maximus at Lugdunum, with related issues also produced at Rome and Treveri. The specific denominations of late Roman bronze coinage remain debated by numismatists and historians, who categorise the smallest series as AE4. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the inscription "D N MA-XIMVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts a camp-gate with a star between its two turrets, accompanied by the legend "SPES RO-MANORVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE4

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Magnus Maximus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Magnus Maximus, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Camp-gate with star between its two turrets
Obverse legend
D N MA-XIMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SPES RO-MANORVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Lugdunum 36A
Denomination and metal
AE4, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D N MA-XIMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SPES RO-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 Rome 59

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC IX Treveri 87C

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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