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RIC IX Nicomedia 45C

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Nicomedia 45C. Denomination: AE4. Authority: Theodosius I. Mint: Nicomedia. The obverse shows bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right, with the legend D N ARCADIVS P F AVG. The reverse shows victory advancing left, with right hand carrying trophy on shoulder and dragging captive with left, with the legend SALVS REI-PVBLICAE.

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 Nicomedia 45A.

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

Theodosius I ruled as Roman emperor from 379 to 395, initially governing the eastern provinces after his appointment by Emperor Gratian following the Battle of Adrianople. He was the last emperor to govern the entire Roman Empire before his sons Arcadius and Honorius divided rule between eastern and western courts.

Struck at the Nicomedia mint, this bronze AE4 piece was issued under the authority of Theodosius I for his son Arcadius, bearing the obverse inscription "D N ARCADIVS P F AVG". In numismatics, AE4 designates the smallest bronze denomination in fourth-century series. The reverse features the legend "SALVS REI-PVBLICAE" alongside an image of Victory advancing left, carrying a trophy over her shoulder while dragging a captive.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE4

Technical characteristics

Mint
Nicomedia
Authority
Theodosius I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory advancing left, with right hand carrying trophy on shoulder and dragging captive with left
Obverse legend
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS REI-PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Nicomedia 45C
Denomination and metal
AE4, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS REI-PVBLICAE
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 Nicomedia 45A

    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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