Solidus in the name of Zeno With star to the right

Reverse

Winged Victory facing left while holding cross, all surrounded by legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
VICTORI A AVCCC · A ·
COMOB

Unabridged legend:
Victoria Augustus
Constantinopolis

Translation:
Victory of the August.
Costantinople.

Comment

Different letters/symbols appear at the end of the reverse legend. One theory says they indicate the year; however, the most supported theory suggests they are just officina letters.

1) D N ZENO - PERP AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC - COMOB
2) D N ZENO P - ERPF AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC : - COMOB
3) D N ZENO P - ERPF AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC · A · - COMOB
4) D N ZENO - PERP AVG / VICTORI-A AVCCC I - CONOB
5) D N ZENO - PERPF AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC N - CONOB
6) D N ZENO - PERPF AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC - CONOB RV
7) D N ZENO - PERP AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC S - CONOB
8) D N ZENO P - ERPF AVC / VICTORI - A AVCCC R - COMOB
9) D N ZENO P-ERP F AVG / VICTORI-A AVCCC G - COMOB

While basically every coin formats the end reverse mark the same, the one exception goes to the RV mark, which has the letters orientated the same way as the CONOB, making it appear like an extension of that mark.

A coin with the RV mark:


© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG

While the coins with the Γ (G) and two dots are often attributed to Odovacar, the coins with the Γ and without the two dots are often attributed to Theoderic under the Ostrogoths. Even so, a coin has been found with the Γ mark using the same obverse die as coins stuck under Odovacar, meaning those coins are likely not Ostrogothic.

The coin with the Γ mark using the same obverse die as other Odovacar coins:


© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG

Interesting fact