© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Solidus - Crispus VIRTVS CAESARI N; Nicomedia
| Gold | 4.45 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Constantine I (Flavius Valerius Constantinus) (306-337) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 324-325 |
| Value | Solidus (1) |
| Currency | Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.45 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#381609 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Crispus, draped, cuirassed, cloak flying, galloping right, charging kneeling enemy with spear in right hand and holding shield on right arm; beneath horse, another enemy with shield; mint mark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS - CAESARI N
SMN P
Comment
RIC VII 84-85 var. (exergual mark), Cohen 164 var. (same), Depeyrot p. 128, 35/6 var. (same).RIC and Depeyrot list only SMNΓ (RIC VII 84) and SMNK (RIC VII 85), with Depeyrot also adding SMNM.
2 known specimens with SMNP in exergue.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Solidus - Crispus coin is that it features the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great, on its obverse side, while the reverse side depicts the goddess Victory holding a trophy and a palm branch, symbolizing the triumph of Christianity over paganism. This coin was minted during a pivotal moment in history, as the Roman Empire was transitioning from a pagan to a Christian state, and it serves as a tangible representation of this significant cultural shift.
