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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IX Nicomedia 2D

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Nicomedia 2D. Denomination: Solidus. Authority: Valens. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N VALENS-P F AVG. The reverse shows emperor, head right, standing facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe, with the legend RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE.

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 Heraclea 1B.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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. Throughout his reign, Valens confronted both internal and external challenges, including the usurper Procopius, Gothic conflicts across the Danube, and threats from Persia along the eastern frontier, before dying at the Battle of Adrianople in 378.

This gold solidus was struck under Valens at Nicomedia, with related issues also produced at Heraclea. Introduced in the early fourth century as a highly pure gold coin replacing the aureus, the solidus served as the main gold coin of commerce in the Later Roman Empire. The obverse presents Valens with the inscription "D N VALENS-P F AVG", while the reverse bears the legend "RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE" and portrays the emperor holding a labarum and Victory on a globe.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Solidus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Valens

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valens, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Emperor, head right, standing facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe
Obverse legend
D N VALENS-P F AVG
Reverse legend
RESTITVTOR-REIPVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Nicomedia 2D
Denomination and metal
Solidus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N VALENS-P 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

Varieties

  • RIC IX Heraclea 1B

    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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