RIC IX Nicomedia 14
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IX Nicomedia 14. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Valens. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows bust of Gratian, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG.
The reverse shows gratian, nimbate, standing right, holding transverse spear and globe, with the legend PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS.
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
Valens ruled as Roman emperor from 364 to 378, having been appointed co-emperor over the eastern half of the Roman Empire by his elder brother Valentinian I. During his reign, he governed the east while his nephew Gratian, the son of Valentinian I, ruled as western emperor.
This gold solidus was produced at the Nicomedia mint under the authority of Valens. Introduced in the early 4th century to replace the aureus, the solidus served as a highly pure gold coin and was the main gold coin of commerce from late Roman times to the Early Middle Ages. The issue features Gratian, bearing the obverse legend "D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG". The reverse depicts Gratian holding a transverse spear and globe, accompanied by the inscription "PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Solidus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Nicomedia
- Authority
- Valens
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Gratian, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Gratian, nimbate, standing right, holding transverse spear and globe
- Obverse legend
- D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IX Nicomedia 14
- Denomination and metal
- Solidus, Gold
- Obverse legend to match
- D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS
- 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.nic.14
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.