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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IX Rome 51D

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Rome 51D. Denomination: AE4. Authority: Gratian. Mint: Rome. 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 vOT/XV/MVLT (or MV•LT)/XX within wreath.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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

Gratian ruled as emperor of the Western Roman Empire from 367 to 383, initially alongside his father Valentinian I and later nominally sharing power with his infant half-brother Valentinian II. Following the death of his uncle Valens at the Battle of Adrianople, Gratian elevated Theodosius I to govern the Eastern Roman Empire in 379.

Struck at the mint of Rome under Gratian's authority, this bronze piece belongs to the smallest category of mid-fourth-century Roman bronze issues, modernly designated as AE4. Although issued in the Western Empire, it features the pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of the eastern emperor with the obverse inscription "D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG". The reverse displays the vow formula "VOT/XV/MVLT" (or "MV•LT") "/XX" enclosed within a wreath.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
AE4

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gratian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Theodosius I, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
VOT/XV/MVLT (or MV•LT)/XX within wreath
Obverse legend
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Rome 51D
Denomination and metal
AE4, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
Research required
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

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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