© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
1 Solidus In the name of Valentinian III
| Gold | 4.37 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Germanic tribes |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 426-500 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus (circa 301-750) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.37 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#153503 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Person standing while holding long cross and winged Victory, all with foot on human head and surrounded by legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VICTORI - A AVGGG Z
R - M
COMOB
Translation:
Victoria Augustus / Constantinople
Victory of the August / Constantinople
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin is imitating an issue from the Roma/Rome mint, and is said to be struck from the mid- to late-5th century. With the type this piece is imitating being struck in 526 at the earliest, that is also the earliest date this piece could have been struck in.There are seventeen known coins from an Uncertain Germanic Tribe struck in the name of Valentinian III (425-455) that imitates the 7th officina of the Roma/Rome mint. Various authors attribute these pieces to the Vandals, the Visigoths, or the Burgundians. Depeyrot, on the other hand, concluded that they are of either a Gallic or a Nordic origin.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the reign of Valentinian III, who was the last Western Roman Emperor, and it features his name and image on one side, while the other side features the image of a Germanic tribal leader. This coin is a rare example of a coin that was minted during a time of great political and social change, as the Western Roman Empire was declining and the Germanic tribes were rising to power. Additionally, the fact that it is made of gold and weighs 4.37g suggests that it was a valuable and important coin at the time of its minting.
