Hello, just picked up my 3rd ancient at my favorite Honey Hole. Described as: Roman Empire. Constantius II. A.D. 337-361. AE 4. 2.205 grams. Antioch A.D. 347-8. Obv. D. N. CONSTAN-TIVS P. F. AVG. Head, pearl-diademed, r. Rv. VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX; legend within wreath; in exergue, SMANA. RIC VIII, 113. I Have figured out most of the meanings except for the RIC VIII, 113. What does this refer to a book/author similar to a VAM designation? Thanks!
I'm sure some of the ancient collectors (did that come out right?) on here will know, and I would like to know too.
RIC is Roman Imperial Coinage, a 10 volume reference set. Your coin is cataloged in volume VIII as Antioch 113. (SMANA is an Antioch mint mark.)
RIC VIII - Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume VIII Carson, Sutherland and Kent. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol VIII, The Family of Constantine I, A.D. 337 - 364. (Spink & Son, London, 1981)
Baconslayer, the RIC 10 volume set is considered to be the most authoritative reference on Roman Imperial coins. That is why it is used frequently. Unfortunately, Vol VIII covering the family of Constantine is one of the most expensive volumes, (probably due to the vast quantities of these coins coming on the market the last decade).
Some would argue that BMCRE (Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum) is more thorough for several periods. Personally I don't value the contents of RIC Vol V Pt 2 at all as it is largely incomplete and inaccurate for most of the emperors covered.
