© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
1 Solidus In the name of Valentinian III; Without ground
| Gold | 4.39 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 | 4.39 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#153500 |
|---|---|
| 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 AVCCC
R - V
CONOB
Translation:
Victoria Augustus / Constantinople
Victory of the August / Constantinople
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin 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.Depeyrot has located nineteen examples struck in the name of Valentinian III (425-455) with a dot behind the bust. Practically all the examples found were from hoards in the Rhine Valley, leading that place to be the most likely place the Uncertain Tribe was located in.
The coin struck in the name of Anthemius (467-472) also has a dot behind the bust, meaning that piece is possibly from the same tribe. And if this piece is from the same tribe as the solidus struck in the name of Anthemius, it is possible this piece is also from the same tribe that struck the tremissis in the name of the same ruler.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the reign of Valentinian III, who was the last Roman Emperor to hold power in the Western Roman Empire before its fall in 476 CE. Despite being minted during a time of political instability, the coin still maintains a high level of craftsmanship and beauty, showcasing the skill of the ancient Germanic tribes in metalworking.
