© Maison Palombo
© Maison Palombo
Solidus - Anthemius SALVS REIPVBLICAE
| Gold | 4.45 g | - |
| Issuer | Western Roman Empire (Rome) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Anthemius (467-472) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 467-472 |
| Value | 1 Solidus |
| Currency | Solidus |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.45 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#116687 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Two emperors standing facing, each holding a spear with outer hand, both supporting between them with inner hands a globe surmounted by a cross; in field below globe, a star.
Mintmark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
⭑
COMOB
Unabridged legend: Salus Reipublicae
Translation: Health of the State
Edge
Gross
Comment
Precise attribution remains uncertain but this coin could have been struck either in Ravenna or Rome during early years of the reign around 467. Both mints struck coins with ⭑/COMOB combination, and Rome style would later evolve to become finer (without tail in G letters for instance).Although this coin does not seem to be listed by major catalogs, many similar variants are known depending on letterings cesura and reverse marks.
Cesura is here DNANTHEMI - VSPFAVG on obverse and SALVSRE - IPV - BLICAE on reverse.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Solidus - Anthemius (SALVS REIPVBLICAE) coin is that it features the first known use of the Christian cross on a Roman coin. The coin's reverse side depicts the Emperor Anthemius standing in a prayerful pose, with a cross in the background. This marks a significant shift in the Roman Empire's official religion, as Christianity was previously tolerated but not actively promoted by the state. The inclusion of the cross on the coin reflects the growing influence of Christianity during this period and paves the way for its eventual adoption as the empire's official religion.
