A solidus to complete my Roman Empire collection

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by AussieCollector, Oct 22, 2020.

  1. AussieCollector

    AussieCollector Moderator Moderator

    Hi all

    As some of you may be aware, one of my goals for this year was separating my Roman Empire coins from my Roman Republic coins.

    For the purposes of my collection (and others may have a different view), the Roman Empire (as a single Empire) dates from 27 BC to 395 AD (after of which, I intend to split the collection into WRE and ERE).

    Within these parameters, I managed to snag a Roman Empire solidus a few months ago now. It nearly got lost in the international COVID mail debacle, but finally arrived the other day.

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    Valens, 364-378 solidus
    Specs: 20mm, 4.44g
    Mint: Treveri
    Obv: D N VALENS P F AVG Laurel-and-rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Valens to right
    Rev: VICTOR-IA AVGG / TROBS Two emperors, crowned, seated facing on double-throne, holding a globe together; behind, Victory standing facing with wings spread; below, small palm branch. RIC 17e.4

    I intend to finish the presentation of my Roman Empire collection over the weekend, and post the final product - but we shall see!

    I have also made good gains on my Roman Republic collection, but that's a separate post.

    Please feel free to share your Roman Empire solidi (whether they be united empire, WRE, or ERE)!

    AC
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2020
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  3. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    An absolutely lovely reverse! Too bad that Rev isn’t seen on a cheaper bronze... I’ll never be able to afford gold haha
     
  4. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    A.C. Congrats on your new addition :D. I like the reverse composition on your coin. Below are some solidi I've posted before, but have another look :wideyed:.

    Theodosius II, Sear 21127.jpg
    2101304-004, AK Collection.jpg
    4790075-008, AK Collection.jpg
    Honorius Ravenna, Solidus.jpg
    NGC 4280854-003.jpg
    Sear 852, uncertain irregular mint.jpg 2101304-003, AK Collection.jpg
    Germanic Solidus of Zeno, late 5th cen..jpg
     
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  5. Clavdivs

    Clavdivs Well-Known Member

    I do not have solidi to show... probably a few years away.
    Congrats on the awesome coin. I do enjoy your posts and how you organize your collection and think about your next move. It makes me reflect on mine.. thank you!
     
  6. RichardT

    RichardT Well-Known Member

    Great coin of Valens. Here is my latest solidus, struck under the authority of Constantine the Great for Constantine II in Nicomedia. They really liked to have very similar names... quite a headache telling them apart.

    Constantine II was a boy of just nine in 325 CE. There are also solidi struck to honour the unfortunate Crispus, who was to be executed just a year later, in 326.

    Constantine II solidus.jpg
     
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  7. ValiantKnight

    ValiantKnight Well-Known Member

    Marcian, Eastern Roman Empire
    AV solidus
    Obv: D N MARCIA-NVS P F AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed three-quarter facing bust, holding spear over shoulder and shield decorated with horseman
    Rev: VICTORI-A AVGGG, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross, star in right field
    Mint: Constantinople
    Mintmark: CONOB
    Date: 450-457 AD
    Ref: RIC 510
    Size: 4.46 gr., 21 mm wide

    [​IMG]

    Really like the portrait on mine because to me Marcian’s face resembles that of Trajan. Perhaps on purpose to echo old Roman glory and greatness? Much needed during the 5th century I imagine!
     
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  8. AussieCollector

    AussieCollector Moderator Moderator

    That's quite the collection you have there @Al Kowsky ! I especially love the Theodosius II.

    Here I was thinking that I was doing well with my (now) two solidi

    Speaking of which, here is my favourite maligned Emperor Phocas:

    [​IMG]

    Thanks for your comments :) Pleased to hear that you like my posts about organising my collection. I do spend a decent amount of time trying to come up with logical ways of presenting and structuring it.

    Love your solidus @RichardT

    Another great solidus from Constantinople. Thanks for sharing
     
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  9. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Glad you got a coin you wanted @Ancient Aussie
    Valens 13.jpg
    VALENS
    AV Solidus
    OBVERSE: DN VALENS PER F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right
    REVERSE: RESTITVTOR REIPUBLICAE, Valens standing right, holding labarum in right hand & Victory on globe in left, cross to left. Mintmark star ANTE star
    Struck at Antioch, 364 AD
    3.6g, 19mm
    Antioch RIC 2d,xxxvii-5
     
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  10. +VGO.DVCKS

    +VGO.DVCKS Well-Known Member

    @AussieCollector, your solidus of Valens sent me all the way back to an old British Museum monograph. A penny of AElfred the Great imitates the reverse, apparently changing the emperors and Victory to saints and an angel. The BM website only has the obverse of this. ...Finally gave up, and just scanned the page. Last one. Dolley, AElfred, 1 001.jpg
    The monograph is Michael Dolley, Anglo-Saxon Pennies. (London /BM, 1964.) All he says in the text is "[...] but one of the most important of all English coins is a penny of AElfred [Pl. XI, 33] struck c. 880. The reverse is copied from that of a late Roman coin [...]." (P. 19.)
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2020
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  11. GregH

    GregH Well-Known Member

    I have a few solidii: Honorius, Arcadius, Theodosius II, Marcian, Leo, Basiliscus. The bronze coinage at this stage of the empire is dull, so i upgrade to gold in my one-per-ruler series where i can.

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  12. Finn235

    Finn235 Well-Known Member

    Very nice!

    What were the parameters for your collection now that you consider it "complete?"

    I own a handful of solidii, all common types you can get for near melt value

    Zeno
    Zeno solidus victory cross.jpg

    Justinian
    Justinian Solidus VICTORIA AVGGG.jpg

    Phocas
    Phocas solidus fine style.jpg
     
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  13. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Thanks Bing I'm stoked, I will ask AussieCollector to send it to me.....what the heck he's close enough I'll go and get it. :D
     
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  14. AussieCollector

    AussieCollector Moderator Moderator

    Thanks @Bing
    Wait a second.....
     
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