This gold Semissis of Valentinian I is not in RIC and it’s genuine in my opinion. It was struck, no doubt, and if it were fake it would have been struck with modern dies, which doesn't seem plausible to me considering everything is correct (style, weight, dimensions…). The David Sear catalog references this coin (#19306) but with the reverse legend "...REI PVBLIC" and refers that “Depeyrot considers this type to be an ancient imitation”. I don't think it's an ancient forgery because the style is very good. Weight: 2.15 g Diameter: 16,7 mm Die Axis: 12h Any opinions ?
Interesting coin. The legend matches an RIC Solidus (albeit with SM LVG in ex). I would imagine that any Semissis is scarce at least -- especially for this mint. (I can't find a Semissis for any ruler from Lyons/Lugdunum in ACSearch records.) My initial reaction to the photo was Germanic imitative/"pseudo-Imperial." Lugdunum's style could be a bit unconventional, but that obverse still seems unusual to me. (Closer to, say, Ravenna's maybe?) Recognizing certain of the late 4th-5th cent. Germanic imitatives can be a challenge. (E.g., pretty good fidelity on a Lugdunum Siliqua IDed by CNG as imitation.) Alternatively: Is it possible that this is from Valentinian II or III? Are there any such Semisses? I don't have RIC IX or RIC X, and don't know how closely OCRE follows them (it lacks the explanatory background text, of course). But I see that obverse legend used on Semissi (different reverses/mints) of Val. I & Val. II. Also one for Val. III listed under Theodosius II (RIC X 247). Are mules common in this period? So -- assuming genuinely ancient -- is a Germanic type possible -- or does RIC list any for Val II or III?
