RIC IX Mediolanum 5F
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IX Mediolanum 5F. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Valentinian II. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Theodosius I, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG.
The reverse shows two emperors, nimbate, seated, facing on throne, the one on right holding mappa in left hand and the two together holding globe, both emperors have legs draped. Behind, a Victory, below, palm-branch., with the legend VICTOR-IA AVGG.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 3
- 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
Valentinian II was Roman emperor in the western Roman Empire from AD 375 to 392. Raised to imperial office as a child alongside his half-brother Gratian, his court was based in Milan following Gratian's death in 383. Although forced to seek the aid of eastern emperor Theodosius I when Magnus Maximus invaded Italy in 387, Valentinian II was re-installed following Maximus's defeat in 388.
Struck at Mediolanum, this gold solidus represents the principal high-purity gold denomination of the Later Roman Empire, originally introduced in the early fourth century as a replacement for the aureus and serving as the main gold coin of commerce. The obverse features the bust and legend of Theodosius I, "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG", while the reverse displays two nimbate emperors seated together on a throne holding a globe, accompanied by a Victory, a palm branch, and the legend "VICTOR-IA AVGG".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Solidus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Mediolanum
- Authority
- Valentinian II
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Theodosius I, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Two emperors, nimbate, seated, facing on throne, the one on right holding mappa in left hand and the two together holding globe, both emperors have legs draped. Behind, a Victory, below, palm-branch.
- Obverse legend
- D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- VICTOR-IA AVGG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IX Mediolanum 5F
- Denomination and metal
- Solidus, Gold
- Obverse legend to match
- D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- VICTOR-IA AVGG
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.9.med.5F
Varieties
RIC IX Mediolanum 8B
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.