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RIC IX Thessalonica 36

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IX Thessalonica 36. Denomination: Siliqua. Authority: Valentinian II. Mint: Thessalonica. 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 vOT/XV/MVLT/XXX within laurel wreath.

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 served as emperor in the western part of the Roman Empire between AD 375 and 392, having been raised to office at four years old following the death of his father, Valentinian I. Until 383, he acted as a junior partner to his older half-brother Gratian, who was later killed by the usurper Magnus Maximus. In 387, an invasion forced Valentinian II to flee to Thessalonica.

The siliqua is a modern numismatic designation applied to small, thin Roman silver coins produced from the fourth century onward, a term derived from a unit of weight equal to one twenty-fourth of a solidus. Struck under the authority of Valentinian II at the Thessalonica mint, this issue names Gratian in the obverse legend "D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG" alongside a reverse design inscribed "VOT/XV/MVLT/XXX" enclosed within a laurel wreath.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Siliqua

Technical characteristics

Mint
Thessalonica
Authority
Valentinian II

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gratian, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right
Reverse
VOT/XV/MVLT/XXX within laurel wreath
Obverse legend
D N GRATIA-NVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC IX Thessalonica 36
Denomination and metal
Siliqua, Silver
Obverse legend to match
D N GRATIA-NVS 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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