Section8 Magnentius - R. Augustus PDF

498
Magnentius was one of the generals under the command of

Constans. Early in the year 350 he gathered that the tide of wars
was turning against the dominion of the Constantines and declared
himself emperor. On hearing of the news Constans was
dispossessed and took flight. He found temporary shelter in a
Augustus 350-353
temple he hoped would be his sanctuary. Magnentius sent a few of
his men for him, tracked him down then breached the temple and
murdered him. The rule of the whole western empire was now under his control. Constantius II was thousands of
miles away embroiled in a difficult war with the Parthians in Syria and it took several months to hear of what
happened out west. He had the difficult choice of following through with this war or take care of the dangerous
usurpation of Magnentius. He decided to sign a hasty peace treaty with the Parthians which ceded vast sections
of territory and zoomed westwards to deal with Magnentius. For his part, Magnentius tried in vain to seek a
diplomatic solution to the problem with Constantius as he wanted to avoid an open armed conflict with his army at
all costs. This not only did not pan out but he also had to deal with a revolt launched by a relative of Constantius
within Rome itself. This strained Magnentius's resources while the main arm of Constantius's army inexorably
approached. The revolt was eventually crushed but his forces were weakened. In the end he was unable to avoid
the inevitable and faced several losing battles against Constantius. As he retreated farther into his heartland he
realized it was a lost cause and committed suicide.
Magnentius
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right

Diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right
Diademed (laurels and rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
DN MAG MAGNENTIVS PF AVG

DN MAGNENTIO PERPETVO AVG
DN MAGNENTIVS AVG
DN MAGNENTIVS PF AG
DN MAGNENTIVS PF AVG
FL MAGNENTIVS PF AVG
IM CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG
IMP CAE MAGNENTIVS AVG
IMP CAES MAGNENTIVS AVG
MAG MAGNENTIVS AVG
MAGNENTIVS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
BEATITVDO PVBLICA
BIS RESTITVTA LIBERTAS
FEL TEMP REPARATIO
FELICITAS PERPETVA
FELICITAS REIPVBLICE
GLORIA ET REPARATIO TEMPORVM
GLORIA ROMANORVM
LIBERATOR REIPVBLICAE
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
RESTITVTOR LIBERTATIS
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES
SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE
TRIVMFATOR GENTIVM BARBARVM
VICT AVG LIB ROM ORB
VICT CAES LIB ROM ORB
VICT DD NN AVG ET CAES
VICTORIA AVG ET CAES
VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR
VICTORIA DD NN AVGG
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES
VICTORIAE DD NN AVGG
VIRTVS AVG NOSTRI
VIRTVS AVGVSTI NOSTRI
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VRBS ROMA
For the average collector coins of Magnentius will

be restricted to the relatively scarce bronzes which
come in the bigger AE1, 2 and 3 size classes. These
are typically fairly low grade but not very expensive.
Many will have the telltale crude styling associated
with non-official strikes by Celtic tribes living within
or near Roman towns. These semi-autonomous
people closely copied the themes of Roman coins
but with their own distinct style. Because they were
typically illiterate the legends are often blundered or
completely nonsensical. All in all these coins are
neither rare nor especially valuable. Due to their
very wide variance in styling they defy cataloguing
and so are often simply sold as barbarous
imitations.
Of those bronzes that can be classified as having
come from a regular mint, most of the available ones
are in rather poor shape but they carry
correspondingly palatable price tags, perhaps only a
few dollars each. The top grade bronzes are rare
and can cost up to two or three hundred dollars
each.
The collector with a more generous budget may
expect to acquire a silver or gold piece but by and
large these are extremely rare.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Aequitas standing left, holding scale and cornucopia

Chi-Rho, A and across fields
Magnentius advancing right, dragging captive and holding bow with spear.
Magnentius advancing right, dragging captive and holding spear with shield
Magnentius riding horse right, facing bowing Aquileia, holding scroll and cornucopia
Magnentius riding horse right, spearing barbarian; shield and broken spear under horse.
499
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
Magnentius riding horse right, spearing two kneeling barbarians.

Magnentius standing left on galley, holding Victory on globe and labarum; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Magnentius standing left with foot on kneeling captive, holding Victory on globe and labarum
Magnentius standing left, holding globe and scepter
Magnentius standing left, holding globe and scepter; kneeling captive to left.
Magnentius standing left, holding labarum and resting hand on shield; two captives to left.
Magnentius standing left, holding labarum and spear
Magnentius standing left, holding standard and labarum
Magnentius standing left, holding Victory on globe and labarum
Magnentius standing left, holding Victory on globe and standard
Magnentius standing left, raising hand and holding branch; labarum to left and kneeling captive to right
Magnentius standing left, stepping on seated captive, holding eagle on globe and spear.
Magnentius standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and branch.
Magnentius standing, facing, resting hand on kneeling captive and holding labarum
Securitas standing, facing, with legs crossed and leaning on column with elbow, resting head on hand.
Soldier standing left, spearing falling horseman.
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding wreath reading VOT / V / MVL / X on column
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X on column
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding wreath reading VOT / X
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and trophy
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Victory seated right, holding wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Victory standing right on left, holding palm, facing Libertas to right, holding scepter, together holding trophy
Virtus standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Wreath, Chi-Rho with A to left and to right within
Wreath, VOT / V / MVLT / X within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Ambianum
Aquileia
Arelate
Lugdunum
Roma
Siscia
Treveri
AU Medallion
1)
B1, O9, R08, T05, M02 Exe: SMAQ
Reference(s)
Three Solidi weight
RIC 122 (VIII, Aquileia)
AU Solidus
2)
3)
B1, O5, R18, T31, M7 Exe: TR

B1, O8, R18, T31, M7 Exe: TR
RIC 276 (VIII, Trier)

AR Miliarense
4)
B1, O7, R23, T11, M7 Exe: TR
AR Siliqua
5)
6)
B1, O5, R04, T28, M2 Exe: AQ

B1, O7, R25, T32, M7 Exe: TR

AE1
7)
B1, O5, R11, T02, M1 Exe: AMB
AE2
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
B1, O5, R11, T02, M3 Exe: SÀR

B1, O5, R20, T24, M1 Exe: AMB*
B1, O5, R20, T24, M7 Exe: TR`
B1, O5, R20, T25, M1 Exe: AMB
B1, O9, R18, T19, M5 Exe: A/RF`
A behind bust
A behind bust
A behind bust
RIC 198 (VIII, Arles)

RIC 14 (VIII, Amiens), L 10
RIC 5 (VIII, Amiens)
RIC 179 (VIII, Rome), L 635
AE3
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
B1, O5, R07, T06, M2 Exe: B/*/AQ`

B1, O5, R07, T06, M3 Exe: */ÀR
B1, O5, R07, T06, M4 Exe: R`LG
B1, O5, R11, T02, M4 Exe: L`LG
B1, O5, R11, T02, M7 Exe: TR`
B1, O5, R21, T24, M4 Exe: * over SV/R`LG
B1, O5, R21, T24, M7 Exe: TR`
A behind bust
A behind bust
A behind bust
RIC 160 (VIII, Aquileia), L 906

RIC 150 (VIII, Arles), L 421
RIC 115 (VIII, Lyons), L 214
RIC 320 (VIII, Trier), L 62
RIC 123 (VIII, Lyons)
500
Magnentius Bust
Magnentius Types
Brother of Magnentius, the ill-fated usurper who almost

upset the Constantine dynasty. Decentius was made
Caesar shortly after Magnentius had gained control of
Italy in a clear signal that he meant to start an imperial
dynasty of his own. Unfortunately, the war did not go
Caesar 351-353
well for Magnentius and, following a devastating defeat
in battle, committed suicide rather than test the mercy of
Constantius II. On hearing of Magnentius' suicide Decentius followed suit and hanged himself.
Decentius
Busts:
1)
2)
Bare headed, cuirassed bust right

Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
DECENTIVS FOR CAES

DN DECENTIVS CAESAR
DN DECENTIVS FORT CAES
DN DECENTIVS NOB CAES
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
AEQVITAS AVG NOSTRI

GLORIA ROMANORVM
MAG DECENTIVS N CS
MAG DECENTIVS NOB CAES
MAGNVS DECENTIVS NOB CAES
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
PRINCITI IVVENTVTIS
SALVS DD NN AVG ET CAES
VICT CAES LIB ROM ORB
VICTORIA AVG ET CAES
VICTORIA AVG LIB ROMANOR
VICTORIA CAES LIB ROMANOR
VICTORIA DD NN AVGG
VICTORIA DN CAES
A bit harder to find than the coins of Magnentius but

not significantly so. Most coins available will be
bronzes that have been found in Spain. Due to the
overall arid soil conditions in this region the coins
will often sport attractive, sandy patinas that most
collectors choose to leave alone as it tends to
enhance contrast.
While the coins are not generally hard to find,
finding them in tip top shape is another matter. The
greater part of the bronzes available, regardless of
attractive patinas, will lack full, readable legends
and often have significant porosity or flan defects.
For this reason prices overall are depressed. A wellpreserved bronze is a rather rare sight and these
coins are typically sold via the bigger auction
houses and prices reach into the low hundreds even
for common issues.
Silver and gold coins are very rare.
501
16)
17)
VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE

VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES
18)
19)
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Aequitas standing left, holding scale and cornucopia.

Decentius advancing right, holding spear and globe.
Decentius riding horse right, spearing barbarian; shield under horse.
Decentius standing left, holding globe and scepter
Decentius standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and spear.
Large Chi-Rho; A and across fields
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and scepter; shield to side.
Securitas standing, facing, leaning on column, resting head on hand.
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVL / X on column
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X on column.
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; Chi-Rho over wreath.
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm.
Victory standing right on left, holding trophy together with Libertas to right, holding scepter.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Ambianum
Aquileia
Arelate
4)
5)
6)
Lugdunum
Roma
Siscia
7)
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC 294 (VIII, Trier), C 31
B2, O3, R13, T15, M7 Exe: TR
AE2
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
B1, O4, R08, T06, M4 Exe: P`LG

B1, O4, R16, T10, M1 Exe: AMB A behind bust
B1, O4, R16, T12, M4 Exe: over SV/R`LG
B1, O4, R16, T12, M4 Exe: * over SV/R`LG
B1, O4, R16, T12, M4 Exe: SP/R`LG
B2, O2, R16, T12, M3 Exe: IS/ÀR A behind bust
B2, O3, R08, T06, M7 Exe: TR`
B2, O3, R17, T11, M2 Exe: AQ` A behind bust
B2, O4, R16, T10, M4 Exe: R`LG
B2, O4, R16, T10, M4 Exe: S/V/R`LG

RIC 6 (VIII, Amiens), L 6
AE3
12)
B1, O4, R16, T11, M4 Exe: SP/R`LG
Decentius Busts
Decentius Types
502
Nepotian
On hearing of the murder of Constans and the usurpation of

the title by his former general Magnentius, the citizens of
Rome named Nepotian emperor instead. He was a nephew of
Constantius II who, because of his very young age, escaped
Augustus 350
the massacre of his family some twelve years before. By
holding out on Magnentius the city hoped to cut off key
supplies while Constantius and his armies hurried from Persia to meet the threat of Magnentius. Unfortunately for
Nepotian and his fellow rebels, Magnentius quickly set out to plug this loophole and was able to enter Rome with
his own army and then find and execute him. Because Nepotian ruled for only a month what few coins were struck
in his name are highly sought after by collectors today.
Busts:
1)
2)
Well, heres one emperor likely to never grace

your collection. Sorry. You can thank the fact that
his coin-striking days lasted all of three weeks or
so (if that). He rebelled on June 3, 350 and was
th
handed off to the executioner on the 30 of the
same month. We may probably assume that the
mint in Rome took a few days to even begin
issuing coins with his name so that gives one
pause as to the meager amount of time left to
make a handful of coins. And lets not forget this
was a millennium and a half ago!
Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust right

Diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
DN IVL NEPOTIANVS PF AVG

FL NEP CONSTANTINVS AVG
FL POP NEPOTIANVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
GLORIA ROMANORVM
VRBS ROMA
Nevertheless, if shelling out ten grand or so on a

coin is not distressing you only need wait til the
next one shows up at auction. If past history is any
indication this seems to happen about once every
other year or two.
Types:
1)
2)
Nepotian riding hosre right, spearing enemy; star above

Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear.
Mint:
1)
Roma
AE2
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC VIII 200, L 643

RIC VIII 202, L 645
B1, O3, R1, T1 Exe: R`

B1, O3, R2, T2 Exe: R`
AE3
3)
B2, O2, R2, T2 Exe: R`
Nepotian Busts
RIC VIII 203, L 644
Nepotian Types
503
When word of Constans' fate got out Constantius II was too far
away to be immediately effective. However, his sister Constantina
was an ardent supporter of his and was able to incite a revolt in
Rome on her brother's behalf. This gave rise to the short-lived rule
of Nepotian. At her insistence she was also able to convince
Augustus 350
Vetranio to go on the rebel warpath as well. Unlike Nepotian,
however, Magnentius resisted the urge to squash this impostor
and instead tried to have Vetranio recognize him. Not much came of these talks because Constantius was by now
nearby and he met Vetranio in person to discuss the situation. After their meeting was over Vetranio abdicated
and retired as private citizen along with a generous pension from Constantius. This left Magnentius diplomatically
isolated again and the two would confront each other in battle soon after.
Bust:
Vetranio is about the most difficult emperor that can be (reasonably)
1)
Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust
right
expected to be found among ordinary uncleaned Roman coins as sold in
2)
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust
bulk. And thats not to say that he appears often. For having been minting
right
coins less than a year he is naturally not very easily available.
3)
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust
Vetranio
right, holding spear and shield
Obverse:
1)
DN VETRANIO PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
CONCORDIA MILITVM
GAVDIVM POPVLI ROMANI
GLORIA ROMANORVM
HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS
SALVATOR REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVM
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
While a few silver coins rear up now and then most available will be the
AE2s and AE3s bearing his name. Some collectors will be satisfied to own
a Constantius II by Vetranio; that is, a coin bearing the name of Constantius
II issued under the authority of Vetranio. These are considerably cheaper
and are most often found with the Hoc Signo Victor Eris reverse. This type
refers to Constantines vision of The Cross prior to the Milvian Bridge battle
of 312 after which he became a Christian and to which he credited his victory
over Maxentius.
Altogether, his bronzes trade in a rather wide price margin from under $100
for the less well preserved to over $1,000 for gem coins. The silver issues
are too rare to pin a going rate for but will most likely exchange hands for
multiple thousands of dollars.
Vetranio standing left, holding labarum and spear.

Vetranio standing left, holding labarum and spear, being crowned Victory to right, holding palm.
Vetranio standing right, holding spear and globe; seated captive to right.
Vetranio standing, facing, holding a labarum in each hand; star above.
Vetranio standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Vetranio standing, facing, holding trophy and spear; seated captive to lower left.
Victory advancing left, holding palm and trophy
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and trophy
Wreath VOT / V / MVL / X within
Mints:
1)
2)
Siscia
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
1)
Reference(s)
B3, O1, R5, T02, M1 Exe: SIS
AR Miliarense
2)
B2, O1, R6, T08, M1 Exe: /SIS
RIC 262 (VIII, Siscia)
AR Siliqua
3)
B2, O1, R6, T09, M1 Exe: SIS
AE2
4)
5)
B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*

B1, O1, R1, T04, M2 Exe: A/B/TS`
A behind bust
RIC 131 (VIII, Thessalonica), L 1658
AE3
6)
B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
Reference(s)
A behind bust
RIC 281 (VIII, Siscia), L 1168
504
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*

B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
B1, O1, R3, T01, M1 Exe: `SIS
B1, O1, R4, T02, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
B1, O1, R4, T02, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
B1, O1, R4, T02, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
B1, O1, R4, T02, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*
B1, O1, R7, T03, M1 Exe: `SIS
B1, O1, R8, T05, M2 Exe: TES`
A behind bust, * in front

A behind bust
A behind bust

Vetranio Busts
Vetranio Types
Gallus was one of the few who escaped the family

massacre initiated by Constantine's sons in order to
weed out possible future contestants to the throne.
When Constantius II was unable to deal with lesser
rebellions out east because more pressing issues
Caesar 351-354
required his presence elsewhere, he decided it would be
served best if a family member was given the task. So
he summoned Gallus, made him Caesar and sent him on his mission. Although he was successful in dealing with
the revolts, his methods were found to be so cruel that they would likely spawn new revolts. Word of his heavyhanded manners reached Constantius and he had him recalled. Being led to believe that he was going to be
promoted to full Augustus, the happy Gallus arrived at court only to find out he was under arrest. He was then sent
to an island, tried and executed.
Constantius Gallus
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
Bare head right

Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust left
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
CONSTANTIVS CAE
CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
DN CONSTANTIVS FORT CAES
DN CONSTANTIVS IVN NOB C
DN CONSTANTIVS IVN NOB CAES
DN CONSTANTIVS NOB C
Like most of the rest of the members of the Constantine

clan, Constantius Gallus still has thousands of his coins
lingering around in dusty museum bins and collectors
collections. Most of these, not surprisingly, will be the
ever-popular Fel Temps that were produced by the
millions, and probably hundreds of millions, during the
350s for several emperors.
Silver Siliquae are also fairly frequent as are the odd
Solidus or two.
505
7)
8)
9)
10)
DN CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES

DN CONSTANTIVS NOB CS
DN FL CL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
CONCORDIA MILITVM
FEL TEMP REPARATIO
FELICITAS ROMANORVM
GLORIA EXERCITVS
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
GLORIA ROMANORVM
HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA CAESARIS
11)
12)
13)
14)
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
Constantinopolis seated left, stepping on galley prow, holding Victory on globe and scepter.
Constantius Gallus advancing left, stepping on captive, holding Victory on globe and labarum.
Constantius Gallus and Constantius II standing under arch, each holding a spear.
Constantius Gallus standing left, holding labarum and spear, being crowned by Victory to right, holding palm.
Constantius Gallus standing left, holding Victory on globe and spear, being crowned by Victory to right, holding palm.
Constantius Gallus standing left on galley, holding Victory and labarum; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Constantius Gallus standing under arch, holding spear and globe, next to Victory, holding wreath and palm.
Constantius Gallus standing, facing, holding a labarum in each hand.
Constantius Gallus standing, facing, holding a labarum in each hand; star above.
Constantius Gallus standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Phoenix standing on rock pile
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding Victory on globe and scepter.
Roma, holding scepter, seated, facing and Constantinopolis, stepping on galley prow and holding scepter, seated left, together holding shield reading VO /
TIS / V
Roma, holding scepter, seated, facing and Constantinopolis, stepping on galley prow and holding scepter, seated left, together holding shield reading VOT /
V / MVLT / X
Roma standing left, holding Victory on globe and spear with shield.
Soldier standing left, spearing fallen horseman.
Standards (3)
Standards (4)
Victory advancing left, holding palm and trophy
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; kneeling captive to left
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; seated captive on either side.
Victory advancing left, holding wreath in each hand.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VO / TIS/ V
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Wreath, star within
Wreath, VOT / V / MVLT / X within.
Wreath, VOTIS / V/ MVLTIS / X within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Ambianum
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Nicomedia
AU Medallion
1)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Roma
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
Reference(s)
B2, O07, R06, T01, M03 Exe: SMANT Five Solidi weight
RIC 71a (VIII, Antioch)
AU Solidus
2)
3)
4)
B3, O07, R05, T14, M03 Exe: SMAN`

B3, O07, R05, T14, M14 Exe: *TES*
B3, O09, R05, T13, M10 Exe: SMN
RIC 90 (VIII, Antioch)

RIC 149 (VIII, Thessalonica)
RIC 75 (VIII, Nicomedia)
AR Siliqua
5)
6)
7)
B1, O07, R14, T28, M12 Exe: SIRM

B3, O04, R10, T19, M13 Exe: SIS
B3, O07, R14, T26
RIC 18 (VIII, Sirmium)

RIC 237 (VIII, Constantinople)
AE2
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
B3, O04, R01, T09, M12 Exe: `SIRM

B3, O04, R01, T16, M13 Exe: II/`SIS
B3, O04, R02, T06, M11 Exe: III/*/R`
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: [/`SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: S/`SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: `SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: A/`SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M13 Exe: I/`SISS
behind bust
A behind bust
A behind bust
behind bust
behind bust
A behind bust

RIC 51 (VIII, Sirmium), L 1608
506
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
B3, O07, R02, T02, M14 Exe: /*/TS`

B3, O07, R02, T16, M01 Exe: /ALE`
B3, O07, R02, T16, M03 Exe: /AN`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: B/CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: /CONS`
B3, O10, R01, T08, M14 Exe: /*TS`*
behind bust
AE3
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
B3, O04, R01, T09, M13 Exe: `SIS

B3, O04, R02, T16, M04 Exe: LXXII/S/AQ`
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: `SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M12 Exe: `SIRM
B3, O04, R02, T16, M13 Exe: `SIS
B3, O04, R02, T16, M13 Exe: `SISB3, O04, R02, T16, M13 Exe: I/`SISS
B3, O04, R07, T04, M12 Exe: III/*SIRM
B3, O04, R10, T20, M12 Exe: `SIRM
B3, O06, R02, T16, M08 Exe: SMH`
B3, O07, R02, T16, M11 Exe: R`
B3, O07, R02, T16, M14 Exe: `/SMTS
B3, O08, R02, T16, M07 Exe: SMK`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: /CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: S/*/CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M06 Exe: X/ /CONS`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M07 Exe: SMK`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M07 Exe: /SMK`
B3, O09, R02, T16, M14 Exe: TS`
RIC 74 (VIII, Alexandria)

RIC 113 (VIII, Constantinople), L 2034
Reference(s)
A behind bust
behind bust
A behind bust
A behind bust

RIC 284 (VIII, Rome)
RIC 107 (VIII, Cyzicus)
Constantius Gallus Busts
Constantius Gallus Types
507
Julian was the son of Constantius Gallus and made Caesar by
his own father's murderer, Constantius II. Constantius then
assigned him an army and sent to suppress yet another German
invasion. Upon the successful completion of this task, however, his
own soldiers promoted him to the rank of Augustus. Chafing still
Augustus 360-363
from his father's fate he was well-prepared to meet Constantius in
battle. But the battle was never meant to be because Constantius
died of an illness on the way there and was able to rule uncontested. Reversing the growing momentum of
Christianity within the empire, Julian attempted to bring back the old pagan gods and its rituals. Again, it can be
suspected that this was done as much out of personal conviction as to his efforts in countering the legacy of the
Constantines who decimated his family. Taking his army to deal with a new round of Persian invasions, however,
left him little time to dwell on eradicating Christianity. He died in 363 from a javelin wound fighting the Persians.
Julian II
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Bare-headed, cuirassed bust right

Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust left
Diademed (pearls and rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right
Diademed bust right, wearing consular robes, holding mappa and scepter
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
DN CL IVLIANVS AVG
DN CL IVLIANVS N C
DN CL IVLIANVS NOB CAES
DN FL CL IVLIANVS NOB CS
DN FL CL IVLIANVS PF AVG
DN FL CL IVLIANVS PP AVG
DN IVLIANVS NOB C
DN IVLIANVS NOB CAES
DN IVLIANVS NOB CAESAR
DN IVLIANVS PF AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS NOB CAES
FL CL IVLIANVS PER AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS PERP AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS PF AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS PF P AVG
FL CL IVLIANVS PP AVG
IVLIANVS AVG
IVLIANVS CAES
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
DN IVLIANVS CAES
DN IVLIANVS NOB CAES
FEL TEMP REPARATIO
FIDES EXERCITVVM
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
MONETA AVG
REPARATIO GALLIARVM
SECVRITAS REIPVB
SPES REIPVBLICE
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA DD NN AVG
VICTORIA IVLIANI
VICTORIA PERPETV
VICTORIA ROMANOR
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VICTORIA RONANORVM
VICTORIAE D N AVG
VIRTVS AVG N
VIRTVS CAESARIS
VIRTVS EXERC GALL
VIRTVS EXERCITVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS ROMANORVM
No legend
Julian IIs coins are very common among

the bronzes. These can be found unrestored
among uncleaned coin lots sold on Ebay
and elsewhere though far fewer in number
than the Constantines and family predating
him or the Valentinian clan that would
follow.
For political and/or religious reasons he
sought to stand apart from the legacy of
Constantius II and, by extension, the
Constantine house that had dominated the
fourth century so far. Among his various
edicts to this end he re-introduced a
Sestertius-sized (but much lighter) coin with
the old silver sheen begun with Claudius IIs
Antoninianus that had largely fallen out of
use by the 320s. Although its purchasing
power in relation to the familiar AE3s
remains to us a mystery they must have
been a breath of fresh air to the public that
had been forced to rely on ever smaller
coins for the needs of commerce.
But this AE1 was short-lived and the AE3
would continue to be the coin that, in the
end, the public had to make do with like it or
not. If anything, within another generation
this public would be forced into the even
smaller AE4 class of coins but thats
another story.
Government and the military still traded in
silver and gold and here too Julian is fairly
well represented. A siliqua may only cost a
couple hundred dollars but the gold pieces
will be significantly harder to find and be
costlier.
508
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
Bull standing right, two stars above

Bull standing right, two stars above; eagle with wreath to right
Julian II advancing right, dragging captive and holding trophy.
Julian II standing left, holding globe and spear
Julian II standing left, holding spear and Victory on globe
Julian II standing under arch, facing, holding spear and globe, being crowned with wreath by Victory.
Roma seated, facing, holding scepter and shield with star within together with Constantinopolis to right, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter
Roma seated, facing, holding scepter and shield with wreath and star within together with Constantinopolis to right, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter
Roma seated, facing, holding scepter and wreath reading VO / TIS / V together with Constantinopolis to right, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter
Roma seated, facing, holding scepter and wreath reading VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX together with Constantinopolis to right, stepping on galley prow, holding
scepter
Soldier standing left, spearing falling horseman
Spes standing left, holding globe and scepter
Standards (3)
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V; genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X; genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / XX; genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield with star; genius to lower right also supporting shield.
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; genius to lower right also supporting shield.
Virtus standing right, holding head of kneeling captive and trophy.
Virtus standing right, holding head of kneeling captive and trophy; eagle with wreath to right.
Virtus standing right, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Wreath, star within
Wreath, VO / TIS / V within
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XX within
Wreath, VOTIS / V / MVLTIS / X within
Wreath, VOTIS / X / MVLT / XX within
Wreath, VOTIS / X / MVLTIS / XX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Nicomedia
Roma
11)
12)
13)
14)
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

B3, O08, R05, T07, M02 Exe: SMAN`

B3, O08, R05, T07, M02 Exe: SMAN`
B5, O15, R26, T03, M02 Exe: ANT`
B5, O17, R26, T03, M05 Exe: CONS`
B5, O17, R26, T03, M10 Exe: R`
B5, O17, R26, T03, M11 Exe: *SIRM=
AU Scripulum
7)
B5, O17, R17, T17, M02 Exe: ANT
AR Siliqua
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
B3, O08, R27, T23, M02 Exe: ANT

B3, O08, R27, T27, M04 Exe: `CON
B5, O01, R27, T27, M14 Exe: TR
B5, O05, R27, T26, M04 Exe: `CONST
B5, O05, R27, T26, M04 Exe: `CONST
B5, O05, R27, T26, M05 Exe: CP`
B5, O05, R27, T26, M08 Exe: `LVG
B5, O10, R27, T27, M04 Exe: `CON
B5, O15, R27, T27, M11 Exe: SIRM
B5, O17, R12, T08, M08 Exe: LVG
B6, O15, R27, T25, M08 Exe: LVG

RIC 215a (VIII, Lyons)
AE1
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
B5, O05, R09, T01, M02 Exe: ANT`

B5, O05, R09, T01, M03 Exe: AQVIL`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M06 Exe: CVZ`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M07 Exe: HERACL` over
B5, O05, R09, T01, M08 Exe: LVGDOFF`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M09 Exe: NIK`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M09 Exe: NIK`
B5, O05, R09, T01, M11 Exe: *`SIRM=
B5, O05, R09, T01, M11 Exe: *`SIRM
RIC 216 (VIII, Antioch), L 2640

RIC 127 (VIII, Cyzicus), L 2058
RIC 121 (VIII, Nicomedia), L 2319
509
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
B5, O05, R09, T01, M11 Exe: `SIRM=

B5, O05, R09, T01, M12 Exe: `SIS
B5, O05, R09, T01, M12 Exe: `SISC
B5, O05, R09, T01, M12 Exe: `SISC=
B5, O05, R09, T01, M13 Exe: TES`

AE3
Reference(s)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)

RIC 90 (VIII, Alexandria), L 2853
RIC 105 (VIII, Heraclea)
RIC 122a (VIII, Nicomedia)
B3, O07, R03, T11, M05 Exe: M/CONS`

B3, O07, R03, T11, M11 Exe: `SIRM
B3, O07, R03, T11, M11 Exe: M/`SIRM
B3, O07, R03, T11, M12 Exe: `SIS
B3, O07, R03, T11, M12 Exe: M/`SISB5, O05, R10, T04, M05 Exe: */CON`
B5, O05, R27, T26, M04 Exe: `CONST
B9, O05, R27, T26, M01 Exe: ALE`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M02 Exe: SMANT`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M06 Exe: SMK`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M07 Exe: HERACL`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M07 Exe: HERACL`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M09 Exe: NIK`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M09 Exe: SMN`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M10 Exe: VRBROM`
B9, O05, R27, T26, M11 Exe: `SIRM
B9, O05, R27, T26, M13 Exe: TES`
AE4
54)
B3, O04, R10, T04, M06 Exe: SMK`
Julian II Busts
Julian II Types
510
Jovian succeeded Julian II as emperor when the latter died of
battlefield wounds. The general realized that their army was on the
brink of falling apart under the pressures of renewed attacks by the
Persians who were deep within their own territory. Upon this
analysis as well as the fact that supply columns could never hope
Augustus 363-364
to reach them effectively, he settled a truce with the Persians
giving over all the territory the Romans had just won under Julian.
Jovian died on the return from this episode as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jovian
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Diademed (laurels and rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right

Diademed (laurels and rosettes), draped bust right, with cornucopia on left shoulder
Diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust left
Diademed bust right, wearing consular robes, holding globe and scepter with eagle
atop
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
DN IOVIANVS PEP AVG

DN IOVIANVS PERP AVG
DN IOVIANVS PF AVG
DN IOVIANVS PF AVG COS
DN IOVIANVS PF P AVG
DN IOVIANVS PF PERP AVG
DN IOVIANVS PF PP AVG
Comparable in scarcity to the coins of

Julian II, Jovian continues issuing money
with little substantial change in the
patterns set by his predecessor. However,
hes not long for this world and the
Valentinian dynasty is about to begin
which would introduce an altogether new
flavor of coinage.
Silver and gold coins can be found with
reasonable frequency; the Siliqua being
the most commonly seen denomination
among the precious metals.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
ADVENTVS AVGVSTI
GAVDIVM ROMANORVM
GLORIA ROMANORVM
RESTITVTOR REIP
SECORITAS REIPVBLICAE
SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE
VICTORI AVGVS
VICTORIA AVGVSTI
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Jovian standing under arch, facing, holding spear and globe

Jovian standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; seated captive to left.
Jovian standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding together wreath reading VOT / V
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding together wreath reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X; Genius to right also holding shield.
Wreath, VOT / V / MVL / X within
Wreath, VOT / V within
Wreath, VOTIS / V / MVLT / X within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Nicomedia
Roma
11)
12)
13)
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

B4, O1, R05, T05, M02 Exe: ANT`

B4, O1, R06, T05, M02 Exe: ANT`
B4, O3, R06, T02, M11 Exe: SIRM
B4, O3, R06, T02, M13 Exe: TES
B4, O5, R06, T05, M02 Exe: ANT`
B4, O5, R06, T06, M09 Exe: SMN`
511
7)
8)
9)
B4, O5, R07, T06, M11 Exe: SIRM

B4, O7, R07, T06, M13 Exe: SMTES
B5, O6, R06, T06, M05 Exe: CONS`

AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)

B4, O3, R13, T09, M02 Exe: ANT

B4, O3, R13, T09, M04 Exe: `CONST
B4, O3, R13, T09, M05 Exe: CP`
B4, O3, R13, T09, M09 Exe: SMN
B4, O3, R13, T11, M04 Exe: `CONST
AE1
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
B1, O2, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`

B1, O3, R10, T03, M02 Exe: ANT`
B1, O7, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`
B1, O7, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`
B4, O7, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`
B4, O7, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`
B5, O7, R10, T03, M13 Exe: TES`

AE3
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
B3, O3, R13, T09, M05 Exe: CONSP`

B3, O3, R13, T09, M07 Exe: HERAC`
B3, O3, R13, T09, M07 Exe: HERAC`
B3, O3, R13, T09, M12 Exe: `SISC
B3, O3, R13, T10, M01 Exe: ALE`
B3, O3, R13, T10, M05 Exe: CONSPA
B3, O3, R13, T10, M06 Exe: SMK`
B3, O3, R13, T10, M07 Exe: HERAC`
B3, O3, R13, T10, M07 Exe: HERAC`
B3, O3, R13, T10, M12 Exe: `SISC
B4, O3, R13, T08, M02 Exe: ANT`
B4, O3, R13, T09, M03 Exe: AQVIL`
B4, O3, R13, T09, M09 Exe: NIK`
B4, O3, R13, T09, M11 Exe: `SIRM
B4, O5, R13, T08, M02 Exe: ANT`
B4, O7, R13, T09, M13 Exe: TES`
B5, O3, R13, T09, M11 Exe: `SIRM

RIC 111 (VIII, Heraclea), L 1914
RIC 132 (VIII, Cyzicus), L 2513
Jovian Busts
Jovian Types
512
Valentinian became emperor after Jovian's death. He was a
capable general and performed admirably on behalf of the empire
given the advanced state of decay it was currently under. To start
things off he named his brother Valens co-emperor and was
handed over the east half of the empire. A couple of years later he
Augustus 364-375
named his young son Gratian co-ruler of the West as well in case
anything happened while he was campaigning against the everpresent barbarians. That something happened in 375 when he suffered a stroke after becoming angry at a group
of barbarian peacemakers (presumably for offering unfavorable terms).
Valentinian I
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Diademed bust left, wearing imperial mantle, holding mappa and scepter
Diademed bust left, wearing imperial mantle, raising hand and holding scepter
Diademed, cuirassed bust right
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
DN VALENTINIANS PF AVG
DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG
VALENTINIANVS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
CONCORDIA AVGGG
FELIX ADVENTVS AVG M
FELIX ADVENTVS AVGGG
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
MONETA AVGG
PAX PERPETVA
PERPETVITAS IMPERII
RESTITVTOR REIP
RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIP
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SECVRITAS REIP
SPES R P
TRIVMFATOR GENT BARB
VICTORES AVGVSTI
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTE
VICTORIA AVGVSTI N
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA DD NN AVG
VICTORIA DN AVGVSTI
VICTORIAE DN AVG
VICTORIAS AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS EXSERCITI
VIRTVS ROMANI EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
No legend
More than any other emperor of this or the

following century, the coins of Valentinian I (along
with those of his brother Valens) are the most
commonly available and affordable. While
Constantine I and his family were prolific issuers of
low denomination bronzes their precious metal
coinage is much scarcer.
With Valentinian, and again Valens, Solidi and
Siliquae are quite readily available. In particular,
their gold coins are perhaps the easiest to locate
except for some late fifth century eastern issues.
If surviving quantity is plentiful enough, the same
cannot be said for richness in variety of types.
Continuing the trend begun decades before,
legends and bust types become more standardized
and the portraiture indistinct.
The vast majority of bronzes will be of just two
types: Gloria Romanorum and Securitas
Reipublicae both of which were clearly of a
militarily propagandist nature.
If this bit of numismatic ennui is disappointing it is
at least compensated by a wonderfully complex
mintmarking system that spanned his entire reign.
It is quite possibly the most elaborate mintmark
system ever devised for coins and may present the
collector with the challenge of completing a set of
all known varieties (referred to as emissions); a
difficult proposition given that there are dozens of
different combinations!
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
City gate with (2) turrets, letter S above.

Monetae (3) standing, facing, holding scale and cornucopia.
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding scepter and together shield reading VOT / X / MVL / XX
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding scepter and together shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Roma seated, facing, holding Victory on globe and cornucopia next to Constantinopolis, holding Victory on globe and scepter.
Standards (4)
Valentinian I advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, each holding globe and scepter; shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X placed on genius in between them.
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, each holding mappa and scepter.
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, each holding mappa and scepter; seated captive on either side.
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, each holding mappa and together globe; Victory above and between them.
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, holding together globe; in between, Victory above and palm below.
Valentinian I and Valens seated, facing, holding together globe; Victory hovering above, crowning them both.
Valentinian I and Valens standing under arch, facing, each holding globe and scepter.
513
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
Valentinian I and Valens standing, facing, each holding globe and labarum.
Valentinian I and Valens standing, facing, each holding labarum and globe.
Valentinian I and Valens standing, facing, each holding labarum and together a Victory on globe crowning both.
Valentinian I and Valens standing, facing, each holding scepter and together a Victory on globe crowning both.
Valentinian I riding horse left, raising hand.
Valentinian I riding oncoming quadriga, dropping coins and holding Victory on globe
Valentinian I standing right, receiving shield from Hand of God above.
Valentinian I standing under arch, facing, holding spear and globe.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; Victory to right crowning him and seated captive to left.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe; kneeling captive to left.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe; eagle with wreath in beak to lower right.
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield
Valentinian I standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum; captive on either side.
Valentinian I standing, facing, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, together holding shield reading VOT / V
Victory advancing right, dragging captive and holding trophy.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; Genius to lower right also holding shield
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVL / XX
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / VOT / XV
Victory standing left, stepping on captive, holding wreath and trophy.
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV on column.
Victory standing, facing, holding wreath and shield on column reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX; captive on either side.
Victory standing, facing, holding wreath in each hand.
Wreath, VOT / V within.
Wreath, VOT / V / MVL / X within
Wreath, VOT / VX / MVLT / XX within
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XV within.
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XX within.
Wreath, VOTIS / X / MVLTIS / XV within
Wreath, VOTIS / XV / MVLTIS / XX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Roma
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
RIC 2a (IX, Antiochia)

RIC 1a (IX, Arelate)
RIC 1a (IX, Lugdunum)
RIC 2a (IX, Nicomedia)
RIC 11 (IX, Roma)
RIC 17a (IX, Treveri)
RIC 5a (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 2b (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 17b (IX, Treveri)
B2, O2, R10, T27, M02 Exe: ANT`

B2, O2, R10, T27, M04 Exe: KONST
B2, O2, R10, T27, M08 Exe: SMLVG
B2, O2, R10, T27, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O2, R10, T27, M11 Exe: R`
B2, O2, R19, T14, M15 Exe: TROB
B2, O2, R30, T20, M05 Exe: CONS
B3, O2, R10, T27, M02 Exe: ANT`
B3, O2, R19, T14, M15 Exe: TROB`
B3, O2, R22, T41, M05 Exe: /CONOB
B3, O2, R22, T42, M02 Exe: /ANOB`
B4, O2, R11, T32, M13 Exe: */SMSISC
B4, O2, R31, T11, M09 Exe: MED
B4, O2, R31, T12, M05 Exe: *CONS=
B7, O2, R17, T15, M15 Exe: TROB

RIC 1a (IX, Siscia)
RIC 3a (IX, Mediolanum)
AU 1 Scripulum
16)
B2, O2, R07, T37, M14 Exe: TES
RIC 15 (IX, Thessalonica)
AR Miliarense
17)
18)
19)
B2, O2, R22, T44, M11 Exe: R`

B2, O2, R27, T26, M13 Exe: SISC`
B6, O2, R26, T33, M05 Exe: CONSP`
RIC 8a corrected (IX, Roma)

RIC 10a (IX, Siscia)
RIC 10 (IX, Constantinopolis)
AR Siliqua
20)
21)
22)
23)
B2, O2, R32, T06, M11 Exe: R`

B2, O2, R32, T06, M15 Exe: TRP`
B2, O2, R33, T47, M05 Exe: CP`
B2, O2, R33, T50, M05 Exe: CS
RIC 11a (IX, Roma)

514
24)
B2, O2, R33, T52, M05 Exe: CS=
AE1
Reference(s)
25)
26)
27)
RIC 15 (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2065

RIC 1a (IX, Heraclea), L 1915
L 2321
B2, O2, R10, T27, M05 Exe: CONSP`

B2, O2, R10, T27, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O2, R10, T27, M10 Exe: SMN`
AE3
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
57)
58)
59)
60)
61)
62)
63)
64)
65)
66)
67)
68)
69)
70)
71)
72)
73)
74)
75)
76)
77)
78)
79)
80)
81)
82)
83)
B2, O2, R05, T09, M03 Exe: SMAQ`

B2, O2, R05, T09, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O2, R05, T09, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: * over A/D`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: */`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: D/*`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: D`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: F/A over K/`SISCV
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: F/D over K/`SISC_
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: F/D over P/`SISC_
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: M over /* over R over O/`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: M/* over F/`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: M/* over P/`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: Q/* over K/`SISCV
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: Q/A over !/`SISCV
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: S over /C over !/`SISC_
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: S/* over F/`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M13 Exe: S/D/`SISC
B2, O2, R05, T09, M14 Exe: * over `/TES
B2, O2, R05, T09, M14 Exe: */* over `/TES
B2, O2, R05, T09, M14 Exe: */ over D/TES
B2, O2, R05, T09, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O2, R05, T09, M14 Exe: V/* over `/TES
B2, O2, R09, T27, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B2, O2, R09, T27, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O2, R09, T27, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O2, R09, T27, M12 Exe: `SIRM
B2, O2, R09, T27, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M03 Exe: SMAQ`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M04 Exe: `CONST
B2, O2, R14, T34, M04 Exe: SMK`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M05 Exe: CONSP`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M11 Exe: R` Officina is spelled out in Latin; PRIMA, SECVNDA, TERTIA or QVARTA
B2, O2, R14, T34, M11 Exe: SM\R`
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: * over D/S/`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: * over F/M/`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: * over K/Q/`SISCV
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: K over K/Q/`SISCV
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: * over P/M/`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: * over R over O/M/`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: A`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: C over !/S over /`SISCB2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: D over P/F/`SISC_
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: D`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: D/*`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: D/S/`SISC
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: K over P/Q/`SISCV
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: R over K/F/`SISC_
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: R over K/F/`SISCS
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: R over !/F/`SISCS
B2, O2, R14, T34, M13 Exe: R over K/S over /`SISCK
B2, O2, R14, T34, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O2, R33, T49, M12 Exe: `SIRM
RIC 11a.15 (IX, Aquileia), L 1023

RIC 9a (IX, Nicomedia), L 2334
RIC 5a.7 (IX, Siscia), L 1294
RIC 5a.9 (IX, Siscia)
RIC 14a.44a (IX, Siscia)
RIC 26a (IX, Thessalonica), L 1744
RIC 16a.17 (IX, Thessalonica), L 1749
RIC 20a.1 (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2066
RIC 10a (IX, Cyzicus), L 2515
RIC 6a (IX, Sirmium), L 1627
RIC 11a.16 (IX, Aquileia), L 1015
RIC 7a.1 (IX, Arelate), L 477
RIC 11a (IX, Cyzicus), L 2529
RIC 42a.8 (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2109
RIC 21a (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2071
RIC 23 (IX, Roma), L 712
RIC 24a.10 (IX, Roma), L 730
RIC 8 (IX, Sirmium), L 1629
515
Valentinian I Busts
Valentinian I Types
516
Valens was the younger brother of Valentinian who made him coemperor soon after his own accession. He then sent Valens off to
take care of the eastern portion of the empire. Making
Constantinople his capital, he dealt with the Persian factor as best
he could which wasn't all that great and saw his borders shrink as
Augustus 364-378
a consequence. His ineptitude showed most compellingly at the
battle of Adrianople in 378. Resettled barbarians had been allowed
within the nominal borders of the empire but were allowed to keep their arms. As the barbarians became
squeezed from the double whammy of external tribes pushing against their lands and the systematic and extraofficial hard-line policies of lower Roman government officials they became aggressive once more and aimed to
push southward.
Valens
Near the city of Adrianople they gathered with the intention of making war and Valens prepared to meet them in
battle. He sent for reinforcements from Gratian but before these could arrive he figured in a bout of short-sighted
arrogance that he could go at it alone and claim the glory all to himself afterward. On an exceedingly poorly
executed attack plan the Romans attacked the barbarians. In what apparently was meant to be a surprise attack,
he rushed the barbarians before getting his soldiers into formation and before they had eaten. It was also a very
hot and dusty day making their attack that much more energy-sapping. The barbarians watched as their
counterparts fumbled and figured out their strategy. Their general sent his cavalry in an outflanking maneuver and
managed to encircle Valens's infantry and subsequently slaughtered most. Valens himself perished in battle and
the loss of the army along with the demoralizing effect to the rest of the military was another step in the inexorable
fall of the empire almost one hundred years later.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust left
Diademed bust left, wearing imperial mantle, raising hand and holding scepter
Helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding spear and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
DN VALENS AVG
DN VALENS MAX AVGVSTVS
DN VALENS PER AVG
DN AVLENS PF AVG
DN VALENS PER F AVG
DN VALENS PF AVG
IMP CE VALENS PF AVG
VALENS AVGVS
As was just mentioned with Valentinian, his

brother Valens shares an almost identical run of
issues. Neither one is represented more than
the other while the two reigned though Valens,
outliving Valentinian for three years or so, has a
longer time in which to strike coins. Still, seeing
that both are so common to begin wth rarity is
not a concern.
Although quite rare, both brothers were to strike
the last hefty bronze coins, the AE1 class, the
empire would see until Anastasius reform of
498 kicks off the Byzantine coinage period.
From here onwards the bronzes will only get
smaller and increasingly shoddier.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
CONCORDIA AVGGG
DN VALENS VICTOR SEMPER
FELICITAS ROMANORVM
FELIX ADVENTVS AVG N
FELIX ADVENTVS AVGGG
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
GLORIA MORANORVM
GLORIA ROMANORVM
MONETA AVGG
MONETA AVGGG
PAX PERPETVA
PIETAS DDD NNN AVGVSTORVM
RESTITVTOR REIP
SALVS REIP
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
SPES RP
VICT DD NN AVGG
VICTORES AVGVSTI
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA DD NN AVG
VICTORIA DN AVG
VICTORIA DN AVGVSTI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
City gate with (2) turrets; S above.

Monetae (3) standing, facing, each holding scale and cornucopia.
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding scepter and together holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding scepter and together holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding scepter and together holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and spear
517
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
Roma seated left on throne, holding Victory on globe and spear

Standards (3)
Standards (4)
Valens advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum.
Valens advancing right, dragging captive and holding standard.
Valens and Valentinian I seated, facing, each holding a globe and scepter; shield on Genius between them reading VOT / V / MVL / X.
Valens and Valentinian I seated, facing, each holding a mappa and scepter; two hunched captives below.
Valens and Valentinian I seated, facing, each holding a mappa.
Valens and Valentinian I seated, facing, each raising hand and holding globe
Valens and Valentinian I seated, facing, holding together globe; Victory above and palm between them.
Valens and Valentinian I standing under arch, facing, each holding a scepter and globe.
Valens riding horse left, raising hand
Valens standing under arch, facing, holding spear and globe.
Valens standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; kneeling captive to left.
Valens standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield
Valens standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Valens standing, facing, holding mappa and scepter.
Valens standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Valens standing, facing, holding standard and Victory on globe.
Valens standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum.
Valens standing, facing, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe
Valens, Gratian and Valentinian II standing, facing, each holding scepter.
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, holding together shield reading VOT / V
Victory seated right, holding shield on column reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Victory seated right, holding shield on column reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; Genius to right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V; Genius to right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVL / XX
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX; Genius to right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / XV / MVLT / XXV
Victory standing left, stepping on captive, holding wreath and trophy.
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield on column reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield on column reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield on column reading VOT / V / MVLTIS / X
Victory standing, facing, holding wreath in each hand
Wreath, VOT / V / MVLTIS / X within
Wreath, VOT / VX / MVLT / XX within
Wreath, VOT / X / MVL / XX within
Wreath, VOT / XV / MVLT / XX within.
Wreath, VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX within
Wreath, VOTIS / X / MVLTIS / XX within
Wreath, VOTIS / XV / MVLTIS / XX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Roma
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
RIC 2c (IX, Antiochia)

RIC 2d.19 (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 3d (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 2b (IX, Nicomedia)
B2, O5, R14, T22, M02 Exe: /ANT`

B2, O5, R14, T22, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O6, R14, T22, M05 Exe: CONS=
B2, O6, R14, T22, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O6, R23, T16, M15 Exe: TROB`
B2, O6, R25, T37, M02 Exe: AN
B4, O5, R25, T38, M02 Exe: /ANOB`
B4, O6, R14, T22, M05 Exe: *CONS=
B4, O6, R23, T16, M15 Exe: TROB
B5, O6, R08, T04, M02 Exe: ANOB`
B5, O6, R15, T27, M14 Exe: * over */SMTES`
B5, O6, R31, T13, M10 Exe: S/I/MN
RIC 25b (IX, Constantinopolis)

RIC 17 (IX, Treveri)
RIC 16d (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 3b (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 16b.5 (IX, Nicomedia)
AU Scripulum
13)
14)
B2, O6, R25, T36, M02 Exe: /ANOB`

B2, O6, R25, T38, M02 Exe: ANT
RIC 26.2 (IX, Antiochia)
AR Miliarense
15)
16)
17)
B2, O6, R29, T21, M13 Exe: SISC`

B2, O6, R29, T21, M15 Exe: SMTR
B2, O6, R29, T21, M15 Exe: TRPS
RIC 10b (IX, Siscia)

RIC 26b.1 (IX, Treveri)
518
18)
B2, O6, R33, T50, M02 Exe: ANT*
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
RIC 15a (IX, Aquileia)

RIC 27e (IX, Treveri)
RIC 13d.8 (IX, Constantinopolis)
B2, O6, R32, T06, M03 Exe: AQPS

B2, O6, R32, T07, M15 Exe: TRPS
B2, O6, R32, T07, M15 Exe: TRPS
B2, O6, R33, T50, M02 Exe: ANT*
B2, O6, R33, T50, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O6, R33, T50, M02 Exe: ANT
B2, O6, R33, T50, M05 Exe: CS=
B2, O6, R33, T51, M13 Exe: SISCPS
B2, O6, R33, T52, M05 Exe: CONCM
B4, O6, R33, T46, M05 Exe: C`
AE1
29)
B2, O6, R14, T22, M03 Exe: SMAQ`
RIC 6b (IX, Aquileia), L 962
AE2
30)
B2, O6, R14, T22, M10 Exe: SMN`
RIC 7b (IX, Nicomedia), L 2322
AE3
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
57)
58)
59)
60)
61)
62)
63)
64)
65)
66)
67)
68)
69)
70)
71)
72)
73)
74)
75)
76)
77)
78)
79)
80)
81)
82)
83)
84)
85)
B1, O6, R07, T01, M05 Exe: COMTM

B2, O6, R08, T10, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M05 Exe: CONS`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O6, R08, T10, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O6, R08, T10, M13 Exe: D/*SISC`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M13 Exe: D`SISC
B2, O6, R08, T10, M13 Exe: R/`SISC
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: */* over `/TES
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: M/* over `/TES
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: M/`/TES
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: Z/* over `/TES
B2, O6, R08, T10, M14 Exe: Z/ over `/TES
B2, O6, R08, T30, M15 Exe: */TR`
B2, O6, R13, T22, M05 Exe: CONS`
B2, O6, R13, T22, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O6, R13, T22, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: *//SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: */SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: /SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: /SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: A/SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: B over /SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M03 Exe: SMAQ`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M04 Exe: OF/III/CONST
B2, O6, R17, T30, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M07 Exe: */=/SMH`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M08 Exe: OF over / I over R
B2, O6, R17, T30, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: * over D/S/`SISC
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: * over K/Q/`SISCR
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: * over P/M/`SISC
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: A over K/Q/`SISCR
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: C over !/S over /`SISCE
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: D`SISC
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: K over P/Q/`SISCR
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: R over !/S over /`SISCE
B2, O6, R17, T30, M13 Exe: R over K/Q/`SISCR
B2, O6, R17, T30, M14 Exe: * over Z/A/TES`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M14 Exe: */TES`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O6, R17, T30, M14 Exe: /=/TES`
B2, O6, R17, T39, M11 Exe: */SMR` (star is in left field)
B2, O6, R17, T39, M11 Exe: R`
Officina is spelled out in Latin; PRIMA, SECVNDA, TERTIA or QVARTA

RIC 16c.7 (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 8b (IX, Cyzicus)
RIC 3b (IX, Heraclea)
RIC 5b.7 (IX, Siscia)
RIC 14b.11 (IX, Siscia), L 1306
RIC 26b.17 (IX, Thessalonica), L 1750
RIC 26b.38 (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 31.8 (IX, Treveri), L 107
RIC 4c (IX, Heraclea)
RIC 17b (IX, Thessalonica), L 1703
RIC 18b.19 (IX, Aquileia)
RIC 12b.18 (IX, Aquileia), L 1036
RIC 11b.9 (IX, Aquileia)
RIC 17b (IX, Arelate)
RIC 21c (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 21b.29 (IX, Lugdunum)
RIC 28a.9 (IX, Roma)
RIC 23b (IX, Roma), L 719
519
Valens Busts
Valens Types
520
Some contemporary historians of Procopius claim that Julian II
had meant for the general to succeed him instead of Jovian.
Whether true or not, Jovian gained the throne and Procopius,
an otherwise well-regarded general, dimmed in the
background. Jovian soon died, however, and Valentinian
Augustus 365-366
became the next emperor. Procopius still had an itch for the
position and began to make his moves. Biding his time
carefully, he waited for Valentinian's brother and colleague, Valens, to leave on an expedition and with the help of
a few key conspirators had himself proclaimed emperor. Because now Valens was away with the bulk of his
troops there was nothing that could be immediately done about the insurrection and Procopius was able to hold on
to Constantinopolis and a few adjacent provinces.
Procopius
By the time Valens had wrapped up with his initial conflict, Procopius had been unable to secure the loyalty of
several leading generals and his power base dwindled as Valens approached. Seeing that all was lost he fled but
was captured and executed.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left

Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Obverse:
1)
DN PROCOPIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
REPARATIO FEL TEMP

No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Procopius standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on

shield
shield; Chi-Rho in upper right field
shield; Chi-Rho in upper right field and object to lower left.
shield; object to lower left.
Procopius standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on
shield.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Nicomedia
Procopius is quite a bit tougher to find than either Julian II or

Jovian who came just before his own rise to power. Part of
the reason is that as usurper Procopius had access to fewer
mints and, of course, he was in power only for a year.
But even with these two factors considered the fact is that
Procopius struck far fewer coins than either of those
emperors. Even for a one year reign this was a prolific age in
the minting of coins, especially out of the central
Constantinoplis mint. One might be tempted to suspect that
upon Valenss retaking of the city in 366 much of the
precious coinage in the name of Procopius might have been
recalled, melted and reissued but even if this was the case
no emperor would have bothered with the bronzes which are
correspondingly scarce as well.
The AE3s feature a primary design with the emperor facing
and holding a labarum and shield. Typically these are
accompanied by a Christogram and an object on the floor
that look like two stacked globes or similar shapes. While a
tentative identification could be a helmet it is not a very
convincing one. The design that includes this object is
unique to his reign.
One of these bronzes, if not very attractive, can be found
every now and then on eBay for $50-$100 with nicer grades
going for twice or three times that much. Siliquae are rare
and expensive although not prohibitively so.
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
B2, O1, R1, T1, M1 Exe: CONS
AR Siliqua
2)
3)
4)
B2, O1, R2, T6, M1 Exe: .C.`

B2, O1, R2, T6, M1 Exe: C.`
B2, O1, R2, T6, M2 Exe: KV`
RIC 13e.11 (IX, Constantinopolis)

RIC 13e.6 (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 3a (IX, Cyzicus)
AE3
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
B1, O1, R1, T2, M2 Exe: *SMH`

B1, O1, R1, T2, M2 Exe: ./SMH`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M2 Exe: ./SMN`
B1, O1, R1, T3, M1 Exe: CONS`*
B1, O1, R1, T3, M2 Exe: *SMK`
RIC 7.8 (IX, Cyzicus)

RIC 7.5 (IX, Cyzicus)
RIC 10.3 (IX, Nicomedia)
RIC 17a (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2082
RIC 7 (IX, Cyzicus), L 2525
521
10)
11)
B2, O1, R1, T4, M1 Exe: CONS`

Procopius Busts
Procopius Types
522
An early supporter of Christianity, Gratian vigorously and
systematically rooted out paganism wherever he could and went
so far as to refuse the title of Pontifex Maximus, the highest
religious position, feeling that this title belonged to a true religious
leader. His early career was marked by his competent dealing with
Augustus 367-383
the troublesome barbarians north of Italy while later in his career
he withdrew somewhat from his duties to pursue personal
ambitions. He died at the hands of his own soldiers in hopes of appeasing the presumed superior forces of
Magnus Maximus who were approaching to a deciding battle.
Gratian
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Diademed (rosettes), cuirassed bust right
Diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust left
Helmeted, cuirassed bust left, holding mappa and scepter
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield
Obverse:
1)
DN GRATIANVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
CONCORDIA AVGG
CONCORDIA AVGGG
FELICITAS REIPVBLICAE
FELICITAS ROMANORVM
GLORIA NOVI SAECVLI
GLORIA REIPVB
GLORIA ROMANORVM
MONETA AVGG
PERPETVETAS
PRINCIPIVM IVVENTVTIS
REPARATIO REIPVB
SPES RP
VICTORIA DN AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
As far as bronzes go, Gratians coins are only

slightly harder to find than those of the
contemporary brother duo of Valentinian I
and Valens.
Coins are also comparatively plentiful in
silver and gold as well. Nice Siliquae may be
found in the low hundreds of dollars while the
typical Solidus may run only two or three
times as much.
Numismatically more significant, Gratians
reign in tandem with Valentinian II and
Theodosius I initiates the shift away from
AE3s towards the smaller AE4 module.
While small bronze denominations had
intermittently been issued for the whole of the
imperial period, under Gratian they become
for the first time the predominant form of
coinage for civilians in general. This last
phase would go on for over 100 years more
all the meanwhile the coins growing smaller
and cruder in design and craftsmanship.
Well into the reign of Anastasius I, a full
generation after the fall of Rome, he would
finally do away with these wretched little
things and begin minting the first hefty
bronzes to be seen since the Folles of the
late 200s.
City gate with (2) turrets; S above.

These Folles, as they were again to be
Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding scepter and cornucopia.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding spear.
called, marked the beginning of the
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and globe.
Byzantine period, at least as its understood
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding globe and spear.
Gratian advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum.
within the field of numismatics.
Gratian and Theodosius I (or Valentinian II) seated, facing, each holding mappa and
scepter.
Gratian and Theodosius I (or Valentinian II) seated, facing, each holding mappa and globe.
Gratian and Theodosius I (or Valentinian II) seated, facing, each holding a globe and scepter; genius between them holding shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Gratian and Theodosius I (or Valentinian II) seated, facing, together holding globe over palm and each a mappa; Victory above them both.
Gratian riding horse left, raising hand
Gratian standing left on galley, raising hand; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Gratian standing right, holding spear and globe.
Gratian standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia to left and labarum.
Gratian standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia to left and Victory on globe.
Gratian standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Gratian standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe; eagle with wreath in beak to lower right.
Gratian standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum with Victory atop.
Monetae (3) standing, facing, holding scale and cornucopiae.
Phoenix on globe
Roma seated left, holding globe and spear.
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and scepter.
Roma seated, facing, holding globe and scepter.
Roma seated, facing, holding scepter and globe.
Roma, holding Victory on globe and scepter and Constantinopolis, holding Victory on globe and cornucopia, stepping on galley prow; both seated, facing.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
523
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)

Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; genius to right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X; genius to right also holding shield.
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield on cippus reading VOT / V / MVLT / X
Wreath, VOT / VX / MVLT / XX within.
Wreath, VOT / XV / MVLT / XX within.
Wreath, VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX within.
Wreath, VOTIS / V / MVLTIS / X within.
Wreath, VOTIS / V within.
Wreath, VOTIS / X / MVLTIS / XX within.
Wreath, VOTIS / XV / MVLTIS / XX within.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
AU Medallion
1)
2)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Roma
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
Reference(s)
B5, O1, R08, T10, M15 Exe: TROB` Double Solidus

B5, O1, R08, T25, M02 Exe: ANTOB` Double Solidus
AU Solidus
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
B2, O1, R02, T04, M05 Exe: CONOB

B2, O1, R11, T13, M05 Exe: *CONS=
B2, O1, R17, T10, M15 Exe: TROB`
B2, O1, R19, T28, M02 Exe: /ANOB`
B5, O1, R17, T10, M15 Exe: TROB`

RIC 39d (IX, Treveri)
RIC 21a (IX, Antioch)
RIC 17g (IX, Treveri)
AU Scripulum
9)
B2, O1, R16, T26, M05 Exe: CONS
AR Miliarense
10)
B2, O1, R20, T16, M15 Exe: TRPS
AR Siliqua
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
B2, O1, R21, T23, M15 Exe: TRPS

B2, O1, R23, T22, M15 Exe: TRPS
B2, O1, R23, T22, M15 Exe: TRPS
B2, O1, R23, T33, M05 Exe: C`
B2, O1, R23, T37, M02 Exe: ANT*
B2, O1, R24, T36, M13 Exe: SISCPS
RIC 58a (IX, Treveri), C 54

RIC 27f (IX, Treveri), C 86
RIC 45c (IX, Treveri), C 86
RIC 36e (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 34f (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 25 (IX, Siscia), C 72
AE1
17)
B2, O1, R23, T21, M11 Exe: R`
RIC 42a (IX, Roma), C 88
AE2
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
B2, O1, R12, T15, M08 Exe: LVG`

B2, O1, R12, T15, M08 Exe: S/LVG`
B2, O1, R12, T15, M11 Exe: R`
B2, O1, R12, T15, M11 Exe: SMR`
B2, O1, R12, T15, M13 Exe: *`SISC
B2, O1, R12, T15, M13 Exe: *`SISC
B2, O1, R12, T15, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O1, R12, T15, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O1, R12, T15, M14 Exe: `/SMTES
B2, O1, R14, T26, M11 Exe: SM\R`
B7, O1, R08, T12, M02 Exe: =/ANT`
B7, O1, R08, T12, M05 Exe: =/CON`
B7, O1, R08, T12, M06 Exe: =/SMK`
B7, O1, R08, T12, M07 Exe: SMH`

RIC 43a (IX, Roma)
RIC 43a (IX, Roma)
RIC 37a (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 28a (IX, Roma)
RIC 11a (IX, Heraclea)
524
AE3
Reference(s)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)

RIC 14c.18 (IX, Siscia)
RIC 14c.44a (IX, Siscia)
RIC 14c (IX, Siscia)
RIC 31c (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 19b (IX, Arelate)
RIC 23c (IX, Roma), L 720
RIC 28c (IX, Roma)
RIC 15c (IX, Siscia), L 1310
B2, O1, R02, T23, M05 Exe: CONS`

B2, O1, R02, T23, M06 Exe: /SMK`
B2, O1, R02, T23, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O1, R02, T24, M07 Exe: *SMH`
B2, O1, R02, T24, M07 Exe: /SMH`
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: over M/* over P/`SISC
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: over M/* over R over O/`SISC
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: D/*`SISC
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: F/D over P/`SISCE
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: F/R over !/`SISCE
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: M/* over F/`SISC
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: Q/* over K/`SISCE
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: Q/* over K/`SISCR
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: Q/* over R over O/`SISCR
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: Q/A over K/`SISCE
B2, O1, R08, T06, M13 Exe: Q/K over K/`SISCE
B2, O1, R14, T26, M04 Exe: `CON
B2, O1, R14, T26, M11 Exe: R` Officina is spelled out in Latin; PRIMA, SECVNDA, TERTIA or QVARTA
B2, O1, R14, T26, M11 Exe: SMR`
B2, O1, R14, T26, M13 Exe: D/*`SISC
B2, O1, R21, T23, M02 Exe: ANT`
AE4
55)
56)
57)
58)
B2, O1, R24, T38, M04 Exe: `CON

B2, O1, R24, T38, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O1, R24, T39, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O1, R24, T39, M07 Exe: SMH`
RIC 24 (IX, Arelate), L 552

RIC 31a (IX, Siscia), L 1539
Gratian Busts
Gratian Types
525
Valentinian II
Augustus 375-392
Valentinian II was the son of Valentinian I and became

emperor when his father died. He was still only a child at the time
and the Western empire was divided between him and his halfbrother Gratian. However, while Gratian ruled at his will,
Valentinian was too young and, instead, several behind-the-scenes
characters exercised the real power on his behalf.
After Gratian's death Valentinian faced a major threat from Magnus Maximus who was gobbling up the Western
empire and had no room for him in his quest. He solicited and then received help from Theodosius, the emperor of
the East, who subsequently came to his aid and defeated Maximus. However, Valentinian was still unable to
shake the web of control that others had over him. Theodosius lingered in Italy after the defeat of Maximus and
essentially ruled the entire empire from Valentinian's own court while simultaneously relegating Valentinian to the
background. When he finally left, he appointed one of his commanders, Arbogastes, as an administrative aide for
Valentinian II.
This would be a thinly veiled puppet of Theodosius. Valentinian, not being the wiser, complained to Theodosius by
correspondence about his situation and lack of empowerment. The complaints fell on deaf ears as this was,
naturally, all part of Theodosius's plans. When he saw nothing would be done about the issue he summoned the
courage to force Arbogastes to retire only to have the general tear up the resignation letter in his face. He then
sneered and derided Valentinian with a comment to the effect that he wasn't taking orders from him. In a fit of
anger Valentinian grabbed a sword and started for Arbogastes but was held back by guards. Two days later he
was found hung in a room. Whether he committed suicide in despair over his powerlessness or was assassinated
directly on account of Arbogastes is left to speculation.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Diademed, draped bust left, holding mappa and scepter
Helmeted, cuirassed bust right, holding scepter with Chi-Rho atop and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
DN VALENTINIANS PF AVG
DN VALENTINIANVS IVN PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
CONCORDIA AVGGG
CONCORDIA AVGGGG
GLORIA REIPVBLICE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
PERPETVETAS
REPARATIO REIPVB
RESTITVTOR REIP
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SPES REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS AVGGG
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
VRBS ROMA FELIX
No legend
Like other guys from this period, one finds

many coins of this emperor on the market.
Most newer collectors will be introduced by
way of the many, many AE4s available. These
comprise one of two main types: the Victory
advancing left, hauling a captive and the
quintessentially Roman Vota issue.
Coins with these Vota themes are religious
commitments made in exchange for time
served. For example, an emperor who has
made it five years on the throne might issue a
commemorative of that milestone with a simple
VOT/V encased in a wreath. A more optimistic
emperor may go ahead and issue coins with
various numerals followed by a MVLT, or
multiplier, of however many more years he
thinks he will stay in power and then, if that
term is achieved, to be renewed again.
Asides from bronzes, the silver Siliqua and the
gold Solidus are also easy to find and
comparatively affordable with rough estimates
for common types costing $150 and $500,
respectively.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
City gate with two turrets

Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV
Constantinopolis seated, facing, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX
526
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on globe, holding scepter and globe.

Phoenix standing left on globe.
Roma seated, facing, holding globe and spear
Roma, holding scepter and Constantinopolis, stepping on galley prow, holding shield reading VOT / XV / MVLT / XX and scepter; both seated, facing.
Roma, holding Victory on globe and scepter and Constantinopolis, stepping on galley prow, holding Victory on globe and cornucopia, bothe seated, facing.
Valentinian II advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum.
Valentinian II and Gratian (or Theodosius I) seated, facing, each holding a mappa and scepter.
Valentinian II and Gratian (or Theodosius I) seated, facing, together holding globe over palm; Victory above and in between them.
Valentinian II riding horse left, raising hand.
Valentinian II standing left on galley, holding Phoenix on globe; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Valentinian II standing left on galley, raising hand; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Valentinian II standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe
Valentinian II standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Valentinian II standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia to left and labarum.
Valentinian II standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia to left and Victory on globe.
Valentinian II standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; captive to left.
Valentinian II standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Valentinian II standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe.
Valentinian II standing, facing, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe.
Victories (2) standing, facing, each holding wreath and palm.
Victory advancing left, holding trophy and dragging captive.
Victory advancing left, holding wreath in each hand.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and cross on globe.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath in each hand.
Victory advancing right, stepping on globe, holding wreath and cross on globe.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V
Victory standing right, stepping on globe, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX
Wreath, VOT / V / MVLTIS / X within
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XV within
Wreath, VOT / XV / MVLT / XX within
Wreath, VOTIS / V / MVLTIS / X within.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Roma
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

RIC 49c (IX, Treveri)
RIC 8a (IX, Mediolanum)
RIC 34e (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 9 (IX, Mediolanum)

B1, O2, R15, T12, M14 Exe: TESOB
at end of reverse legend
B1, O2, R15, T12, M15 Exe: TROB`
B1, O3, R15, T12, M09 Exe: COM
B1, O3, R15, T12, M14 Exe: TESOB
B1, O3, R15, T12, M15 Exe: T/R/COM
B2, O3, R02, T04, M05 Exe: CONOB Officina at end of reverse legend
B3, O3, R22, T11, M09 Exe: M/D/COM
AR Siliqua
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
B1, O2, R16, T26, M15 Exe: TRPS

B1, O3, R21, T06, M15 Exe: TRPS
B1, O3, R23, T06, M08 Exe: LVGPS
B1, O3, R23, T06, M09 Exe: AQPS
B1, O3, R25, T38, M05 Exe: CONS

RIC 15d (IX, Aquileia)
AE2
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
B1, O2, R07, T19, M03 Exe: SMAQ`

B1, O2, R07, T19, M13 Exe: *`SISC
B1, O2, R07, T19, M13 Exe: *`SISC
B1, O2, R07, T19, M13 Exe: `SISC
B1, O2, R07, T19, M13 Exe: `SISC
B1, O3, R07, T19, M11 Exe: SMR`
B1, O3, R07, T19, M14 Exe: `/SMTES
B1, O3, R19, T23, M01 Exe: ALE`
B1, O3, R19, T23, M02 Exe: ANT`
B1, O3, R19, T23, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B1, O3, R19, T23, M07 Exe: */SMH`
B7, O3, R05, T14, M02 Exe: =/ANT`
B7, O3, R05, T15, M05 Exe: =/CON`
B7, O3, R05, T15, M07 Exe: T/SMH`
RIC 30b (IX, Aquileia)

RIC 43c (IX, Roma)
RIC 18a (IX, Alexandria)
527
AE3
Reference(s)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)

RIC 31 (IX, Nicomedia)
B1, O1, R01, T07, M13 Exe: `/SISC

B1, O2, R23, T06, M10 Exe: */SMN`
B1, O2, R23, T06, M10 Exe: /*/SMN`
B1, O3, R01, T07, M01 Exe: O/ALE`
B1, O3, R01, T07, M02 Exe: / over K/ANT`
B1, O3, R01, T07, M05 Exe: CONS`
B1, O3, R01, T07, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O3, R05, T10, M03 Exe: SMAQ`
B1, O3, R05, T10, M13 Exe: `SISC
B2, O3, R01, T07, M02 Exe: / over K/ANT`
B7, O3, R05, T15, M05 Exe: =/CON`
B7, O3, R05, T15, M06 Exe: =/SMK`
B7, O3, R05, T15, M07 Exe: T/SMH`
RIC 45b (IX, Antiochia), L 2696

RIC 45b (IX, Aquileia)
AE4
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
B1, O2, R10, T25, M05 Exe: /CONS`

B1, O2, R16, T25, M03 Exe: /AQ`
B1, O2, R16, T26, M14 Exe: `SIS
B1, O2, R25, T34, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O2, R25, T34, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O3, R10, T25, M06 Exe: /SMK`
B1, O3, R14, T24, M14 Exe: TES`
B1, O3, R25, T38, M01 Exe: ALE`
B1, O3, R25, T38, M02 Exe: AN`
B1, O3, R25, T38, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O3, R25, T38, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O3, R25, T38, M10 Exe: SMN`

RIC 58a (IX, Aquileia), L 1105
RIC 29c.1 (IX, Siscia), L 1545
RIC 38a (IX, Nicomedia)
Valentinian II Busts
528
Valentinian II Types
Theodosius I
Augustus 375-395
The son of a famous general, Theodosius's own military prowess

caught the eye of Gratian who sent him off with an army to deal
with the various barbarian hordes making regular excursions into
Roman territory. After scoring some impressive victories on the
battlefield Gratian gave Theodosius the ultimate reward by
crowning him emperor and formal successor to Valens.
Theodosius then went on to settle a peace treaty with the barbarians and conferred upon them "federate" status
and allowed them to occupy Roman territory under the condition that they would defend it against other intruders.
The benefit, in principle at least, was that this settlement created a buffer zone for the Romans. In the following
years he put down the rebellions headed by Magnus Maximus and then, literally with a little help from the weather,
by the puppet emperor Eugenius.
During the waning years of his life he became the first Roman emperor to turn full circle on the issue of religious
persecution. After centuries of Christian persecution and then another three quarters of a century whereby
Christianity coexisted mostly peacefully with Pagan rituals, Theodosius began the active persecution and steady
elimination of all non-Christian sects and their temples. This policy would be vigorously followed by all succeeding
emperors. He died in 395 leaving behind a split empire to be ruled by his sons Honorius and Arcadius.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Helmeted, diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield
Helmeted, diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield
529
Obverses:
1)
2)
Theodosius leaves a strong numismatic legacy, by

fourth century standards, with a myriad of different
denominations, sizes and weights of his coins.
DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG
DN THEODOSVIS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
For several decades coinage in general had inexorably

tended towards smaller coins made of cheaper metal
alloys while at the same time maintaining or increasing
their nominal value. In other words, inflation.
CONCORDIA AVGG
CONCORDIA AVGGG
CONCORDIA AVGGGG
GLORIA REIPVB
GLORIA REIPVBLICE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
PERPETVETAS
REPARATIO REIPVB
RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICE
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SPES REIPVBLICAE
SPES ROMANORVM
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
VRBS ROMA FELIX
No legend
While the economic maladies ailing the empire were far

greater than Theodosius could hope to remedy he does
temporarily increase the size and heft of the bronzes. He
also introduces the Tremissis, a small but versatile coin
that is successful enough to continue being used for the
next 200 years. These measures, at least symbolically,
aim to strengthen the shrinking empire.
Asides from their historical significance, the collector will
be pleased to find that obtaining high-grade type sets
of this emperor is an easy and surprisingly affordable
task. The small bronzes are particularly plentiful and
make up a sizeable proportion of uncleaned coins as
available on the Internet and most coin dealers.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
City gate with (2) turrets.

Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding globe and scepter.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and globe
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / X / MVL / XV
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding spear
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia.
Roma seated, facing, holding globe and spear.
Roma standing, facing, holding trophy and Victory on globe; shield by feet.
Theodosius I advancing right, dragging captive and holding trophy.
Theodosius I and Gratian seated, facing, together holding globe over palm; Victory above and between them.
Theodosius I and Valentinian II seated, facing, each holding a scepter.
Theodosius I riding horse right, raising hand.
Theodosius I standing left, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia and labarum
Theodosius I standing left, holding hand of kneeling woman with cornucopia and Victory on globe
Theodosius I standing left on galley, holding phoenix on globe and labarum; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Theodosius I standing left on galley, raising hand; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Theodosius I standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe
Theodosius I standing, facing, holding labarum and globe
Theodosius I standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; seated captive to left.
Theodosius I standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield
Theodosius I standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum.
Theodosius I standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, each holding a wreath and a palm
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X on lap
Victory standing right, holding wreath and cross on globe
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XXX within
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLTIS / XX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Heraclea
Londinium
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
Roma
13)
14)
15)
16)
Sirmium
Siscia
Thessalonica
Treveri
530
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)

RIC 71A (IX, Constantinopolis)
RIC 5b (IX, Mediolanum)
RIC 8b.2 (IX, Mediolanum)
RIC 9c (IX, Sirmium)
RIC 15 (IX, Sirmium)

B1, O1, R16, T15, M10 Exe: COM
B1, O1, R16, T15, M10 Exe: M/D/COM
B1, O1, R16, T15, M13 Exe: SIROB
B1, O1, R16, T15, M16 Exe: TROB`
B1, O1, R17, T22, M13 Exe: S/M/CONOB Officina at end of reverse legend
AU Tremissis
13)
14)
B1, O1, R18, T33, M05 Exe: */CONOB

AR Siliqua
15)
16)
17)
18)
B1, O1, R02, T03, M16 Exe: TRPS

B1, O1, R21, T11, M16 Exe: TRPS
B1, O1, R25, T36, M05 Exe: CONS
B1, O1, R25, T36, M10 Exe: MDPS

AE2
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
B1, O1, R06, T22, M02 Exe: ANT`

B1, O1, R06, T22, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O1, R06, T23, M01 Exe: ALE`
B1, O1, R08, T19, M12 Exe: SMR`
B1, O1, R08, T19, M14 Exe: *`SISC
B1, O1, R08, T19, M14 Exe: *`SISC
B1, O1, R08, T19, M14 Exe: `SIS
B1, O1, R08, T19, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O1, R08, T19, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O1, R19, T22, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O1, R19, T22, M07 Exe: */SMH`
B1, O1, R19, T22, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O1, R19, T22, M11 Exe: SMN`
B2, O1, R06, T05, M05 Exe: /I/CONS`
B2, O1, R19, T22, M01 Exe: ALE`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M02 Exe: =/ANT`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M05 Exe: =/CON`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M05 Exe: T/CON`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M06 Exe: =/SMK`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M06 Exe: T/SMK`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M07 Exe: SMH`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M07 Exe: T/SMH`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M11 Exe: =/SMN`
B3, O1, R06, T21, M15 Exe: =/TES`

RIC 43d (IX, Roma)
RIC 24b.2 (IX, Heraclea)
RIC 18c (IX, Alexandria)
RIC 40d (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 14c (IX, Cyzicus)
RIC 23 (IX, Cyzicus)
RIC 25c (IX, Nicomedia)
AE3
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
B1, O1, R01, T01, M15 Exe: `/TES

B1, O1, R02, T02, M11 Exe: SMN`
B1, O1, R02, T02, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O1, R02, T05, M05 Exe: O/CONS`
B1, O1, R06, T14, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O1, R06, T14, M15 Exe: `/TES
B1, O1, R06, T17, M05 Exe: CONS`
B1, O1, R06, T23, M05 Exe: CONS`
B1, O1, R17, T20, M15 Exe: `/TES

RIC 27d (IX, Siscia)
RIC 28 (IX, Siscia), L 1558
AE4
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
57)
58)
59)
60)
61)
62)
63)
64)
65)
B1, O1, R05, T01, M15 Exe: `/TES

B1, O1, R11, T29, M02 Exe: /ANT`
B1, O1, R11, T29, M02 Exe: /ANT`
B1, O1, R11, T29, M05 Exe: /CONS
B1, O1, R11, T29, M06 Exe: /SMK`
B1, O1, R11, T29, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O1, R11, T29, M11 Exe: SMN`
B1, O1, R11, T29, M15 Exe: /TES`
B1, O1, R17, T30, M04 Exe: `CON
B1, O1, R17, T30, M14 Exe: `SIS
B1, O1, R17, T30, M14 Exe: `SIS
B1, O1, R25, T34, M14 Exe: `SISC
B1, O1, R25, T35, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O1, R25, T36, M05 Exe: CON`

RIC 67b.2 (IX, Antioch)
RIC 27b (IX, Cyzicus), L 1984
RIC 65 (IX, Thessalonica)
RIC 30d (IX, Arelate), L 563
RIC 29d (IX, Siscia), L 1546
531
66)
67)
68)
B1, O1, R25, T36, M06 Exe: SMK`

B1, O1, R25, T36, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O1, R25, T36, M14 Exe: `SISC
RIC 19 (IX, Cyzicus), L 2557

Theodosius I Busts
Theodosius I Types
532
Aelia Flaccilla
Wife of Theodosius I and mother of Honorius and

Arcadius.
? - d.386
Bust:
1)
Diademed, draped bust right, wearing ear rings and necklace
Obverse:
1)
AEL FLACCILLA AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICAES
SALVS REPVBLICAE
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Aelia Flaccilla standing, facing, hands braced over chest.

Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho on column
Wreath, Chi-Rho within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Fifty years had passed with emperor coming and going and
not a one of them having the decency to promote their wives
to a formal Augusta. And if any of them did for some reason
no coins with their effigy appeared during this time.
Alexandria
Antioch
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
This is all changed during the reign of Theodosius when Aelia

is given a modest share of the total output of coins. Her
name, just as was the case with Julius Caesar and Augustus,
will become an honorary title bestowed upon future
empresses.
Although Siliquae and even Solidi are known they are so rare
theyre catalogued here for the sake of completeness but its
very doubtful theyll ever appear in significant quantities.
Bronzes on the other hand are if not plentiful at least
accessible enough. Starter coppers can be had for $20 or
less and nicer ones climbing steadily up to around $100.
5)
6)
7)
8)
Heraclea
Nicomedia
Siscia
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
AR Siliqua
2)
B1, O1, R4, T3, M3 Exe: CON`
AE2
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
B1, O1, R1, T1, M1 Exe: ALE`

B1, O1, R1, T1, M2 Exe: ANT`
B1, O1, R1, T1, M3 Exe: /CON`
B1, O1, R1, T1, M3 Exe: T/CONS`
B1, O1, R1, T1, M4 Exe: SMK`
B1, O1, R1, T1, M6 Exe: SMN`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M2 Exe: T/ANT`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M3 Exe: CON`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M3 Exe: T/CON`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M5 Exe: T/SMH`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M5 Exe: T/SMH`*
B1, O1, R1, T2, M7 Exe: SISC.
RIC 4 (IX, Alexandria)

RIC 62 (IX, Antioch), L 2760
RIC 43 (IX, Antioch)
RIC 23 (IX, Heraclea)
RIC 35 (IX, Siscia)
AE4
15)
16)
17)
18)
B1, O1, R1, T2, M2 Exe: AN`

B1, O1, R1, T2, M3 Exe: CON`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M5 Exe: . SMH`
B1, O1, R1, T2, M7 Exe: SISC.
L 2744
RIC 61 (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2162
RIC 35 (IX, Siscia)
533
Aelia Flaccilla Bust
It's uncertain exactly how Magnus Maximus came to power. At

the time he was a general in Britain and whether by his own
will or that of his troops he was hailed as emperor. Gratian
moved quickly to put down the revolt and bring Maximus to
justice but, his troops mutinied, switched sides and had
Augustus 383-388
Gratian executed instead. Maximus then sought to have his
claim recognized throughout the rest of the empire and to this
end he sent a delegation to the court of Theodosius. If not outright enthusiastic, Theodosius was at least initially
cooperative and accepted Maximus. However, the situation changed when Maximus upset the balance of power
by intending to appropriate Italy which was under the control of Valentinian II. Suddenly, Theodosius realized that
Maximus was intent on becoming the sole ruler of the West and possibly the East as well. Theodosius then
rescinded his recognition of Maximus and sent a large army against him. The two sides met roughly halfway
between their courts and Maximus was defeated. Maximus was then captured and executed in Aquileia.
Magnus Maximus
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
DN MAG MAXIMVS PF AVG

DN MAG MAXINVS PF AVG
DN MAXIMVS PF AVG
DN MAXIMVS PF AVS
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
CONCORDIA AVGGG
REPARATIO REIPVB
SPES ROMANORVM
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
Bronzes for this emperor are typically found in very

poor condition but, thankfully, with the low grade comes
a correspondingly affordable price tag. Nicely
preserved bronzes will easily cost well over $100.
At those prices you might as well consider the silver.
Siliquae are available, though not very abundantly, for
$100-$200 as a starting point. Gem Siliquae will cost
two or three times that much and will usually be offered
only through specialized auction houses rather than
corner shop dealers.
Gold coins in any denomination are really, really rare.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
City gate with (2) turrets, star above

Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and globe
Magnus Maximus and Theodosius I seated, facing, together holding globe
Magnus Maximus and Theodosius I seated, facing, together holding globe; Victory above them, palm below
Magnus Maximus standing left, holding hand of kneeling woman and Victory on globe.
Magnus Maximus standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe.
Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Magnus Maximus standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum.
Wreath, VO / TIS / V within.
534
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
Londinium (Augusta)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Roma
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
RIC 2 (IX, Treveri)

B2, O1, R3, T08, M8 Exe: */SMTR

B2, O1, R5, T03, M8 Exe: TROB
AR Miliarense
4)
B1, O1, R8, T07, M8 Exe: TRPS
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
5)
AE2
6)
B1, O1, R2, T05, M2 Exe: `CON
AE4
7)
8)
9)
10)
B1, O1, R4, T01, M1 Exe SMAQ`

B1, O1, R4, T01, M2 Exe: `CON
B1, O1, R4, T01, M8 Exe: SMTR
B1, O2, R4, T01, M5 Exe: LVG`
RIC 55a (IX, Aquileia), L 1103

RIC 87a (IX, Treveri), L 156
Magnus Maximus Busts
Magnus Maximus Types
535
Not yet old enough to be in kindergarten, Flavius Victor was
the unfortunate victim of a very brutal and violent age. His father
Magnus Maximus named him co-Augustus soon after he was born
and then was off on his quest to become the Western Emperor.
Although he met with success initially, Maximus was no match for
Augustus 384-388
Theodosius once he made a concerted effort to oust him. Victor,
on the other hand, was sent for after Maximus's final defeat and
was slain to end any possibility of future contests from this quarter.
Flavius Victor
Bust:
1)
Obverses:
1)
2)
DN FL VICTOR PF AVG
DN FL ICTOR PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Youre not likely to come across a coin of Flavius

Victor by accident. Its either an AE4 camp gate
or a silver Siliqua both of which routinely sell for
hundreds of dollars even when they appear
mediocre.
A sharp eye and some patience can score one of
the AE4s for around $100 on eBay.
BONO REIPVBLICE NATI

SPES ROMANORVM
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
City gate with (2) turrets, star above

Magnus Maximus and Flavius Victor seated, facing, holding together globe; Victory between them.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Aquileia
Arelate
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Treveri
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
1)
2)

RIC 84d (IX, Treveri)
B1, O1, R4, T3, M4 Exe: MDPS

AE4
3)
4)
B1, O1, R2, T1, M1 Exe: SMAQ`

B1, O1, R2, T1, M2 Exe: `CON
Flavius Victor Bust
Flavius Victor Types
RIC 55b (IX, Aquileia), L 1004

RIC 29b (IX, Mediolanum), L 561
536
After the death of Valentinian II followed one of the most
embarrassing low-points in Roman history. Italy and what was left
of the Roman empire was left leaderless. The barbarian warlord
Arbogast wielded power but was unable to call himself the emperor
because to do so would have been an outrage so scandalous that
Augustus 392-394
it would likely throw the entire empire into complete turmoil. Thus
evaluating his response over what to do next, a period that lasted
over a year, he decided to name Eugenius the emperor. Needless to say, Eugenius served merely as a
figurehead for Arbogast's desires. To the end of making it all seem legitimate, he sent a series of diplomats to the
court of Theodosius in hopes of gaining Eugenius the East's blessing. Theodosius prepared an army instead and
eventually the two met in battle. When the dust settled, Eugenius was dead and Arbogast fled the scene,
reportedly committing suicide. This left Theodosius himself as emperor of the entire empire; this being the last
such time this would happen.
Eugenius
Eugenius himself was apparently a scholar and respected former government administrator. He might have found
favor with Theodosius had his pedigree not been tainted with Arbogast's role and had he not shown inclinations to
favor paganism instead of Christianity. He is reported to have meant to turn the church in Mediolanum (Milan) into
a stable for Arbogast's horses! This anecdote, however, might be but propaganda from the enemies of Eugenius.
Bust:
1)
Obverse:
1)
DN EVGENIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
GLORIA ROMANORVM
SPES ROMANORVM
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOT / V / MVLT / X
VRBS ROMA
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
By the late fourth century the mints throughout the western empire
begin shutting down one by one. Those that remain open for
business slow production to a trickle. Rome, once the most prolific
and important of mints also limps along with a skeleton crew that
manufacture increasingly less skillfully made coins and then only
erratically as metal becomes available.
Eugenius may be one of the first emperors who becomes rare not
on account of his length in office, over a years time, but rather
because there just werent many coins made during this time.
A few hardscrabble, tiny copper coins turn up on the market with
some frequency. Silver siliquae, the most commonly found of his
coins, tend to go from $200 to over $1,000 a piece.
Eugenius and Theodosius I seated, facing, together holding globe; between them, Victory above and palm below.
Eugenius standing left, holding labarum and resting hand on shield.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Aquileia
Arelate
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Roma
Treveri
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC 45 (IX, Lugdunum), C 6

RIC 28 (IX, Mediolanum), C 6
B1, O1, R3, T1, M3 Exe: L/D/COM

B1, O1, R3, T1, M4 Exe: M/D/COM
AU Tremissis
3)
B1, O1, R5, T4, M6 Exe: T/R/COM
RIC 103 (IX, Treveri), C 10
AR Miliarense
4)
RIC 104 (IX, Treveri), C 2
537
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
5)
6)
7)
RIC 32c (IX, Mediolanum), C 14b

RIC 106d (IX, Treveri), C 14a
RIC 46 (IX, Lugdunum), C 18a
B1, O1, R6, T3, M4 Exe: MDPS

AE4
8)
9)
B1, O1, R2, T4, M1 Exe: AQ`

B1, O1, R4, T4, M2 Exe: CON
RIC 59 (IX, Aquileia), L 1108

RIC 30f (IX, Arelate), C 8
Eugenius Bust
Eugenius Types
538
Honorius was born to Theodosius and Aelia Flaccilla in 384 and
inherited the western part of the empire on his father's death (with
the eastern half going to his elder brother Arcadius). During his
lifetime Honorius witnessed wave after wave of barbarian
invasions, each one more devastating than the previous one. In
Augustus 394-423
404 he moved the imperial palace to a fortress in Ravenna. On
cue, Rome was then sacked in 410 by the barbarian forces under
the command of Alaric; a first in over 800 years. The Vandals would seize Northern Africa (Italy's bread basket)
and various usurpers, most importantly Constantine III, sliced off huge sections of what remained of the Western
empire for themselves. In the face of all these military and political catastrophes, Honorius was helpless and he
never personally led any armies to counter the invasions and revolts. Still, against all odds, he managed to
somewhat stabilize his dwindling domains by diplomatic means with the barbarians and by military action with the
help of Constantius III against the usurpers. But he died in 423 leaving the empire significantly weaker and much
smaller than when he became emperor.
Honorius
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

Diademed bust left wearing consular robes, holding mappa and scepter with eagle atop
Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right, raising hand and holding Victory on globe
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing holding spear and shield
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing holding spear over shoulder and spear
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
DN HONORI AVG
DN HONORIIVS PF AVG
DN HONORIVS PF AVG
DN ONORIVS PF AVG
HONORIO AVGVSTO
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
ADVENTVS FN AVG
CONCORDIA AVG
CONCORDIA AVGG
CONCORDIA AVGGG
CONCORDIA NVGGG
CONCORIA AVGG
GLORIA ROMANORVM
REPARATIO REIPVBL
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AAVGGG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOT / V / MVLT / X
VOT / X / MVLT / XX
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
VOTA PVBLICA
VRBS ROMA
VRBS ROMA FELIX
No legend
During the reign of Honorius Roman coinage begins its final artistic slide. Already
for over the last hundred years portraiture engraving had stopped the realistic
representation of the emperors facial features. Instead, these portraits were now
mere effigies frozen in time regardless of the emperors age. In fact, they all begin
to look identical from emperor to emperor with the only thing changing being
whats written between the DN and the PF AVG.
In the fifth century the engraving artistry not only stops concerning itself with
realistic portraiture but with everything else as well. Thus the designs become
ever more abstract. Epigraphy, too, is another casualty of carelessness. Finally,
the coins themselves are made on ever smaller and thinner modules made of
increasingly cheaper alloys. The gold denominations, while suffering all the above
faults in terms of artistic merit and overall craftsmanship, hold on meticulously to
their customary weights and fineness because, being the armys pay, the life of
the emperor himself depended on it.
Blessed with a long if troubled reign, Honorius appears frequently and cheaply in
the bronzes. These are by and large of the late fourth century. With the start of the
fifth these too mostly disappear from the radar and those that are left in
attributable condition are the small AE4 class which often measure no more than
7-10mm across and often smaller. Siliquae are not rare but are typically found
heavily clipped making certain attribution difficult or impossible. And then there
are the gold Solidi and Tremisses which while not exactly plentiful are always
available. The Solidus is the more common of the two and a typical specimen
usually goes for between $400-$600.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and Victory on globe
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading XX/ VOT / XXX
Cross
Honorius and Arcadius seated, facing, each holding a mappa and scepter with eagle atop; palm between them.
Honorius and Arcadius standing, facing, each holding a scepter and resting hand on shield.
Honorius riding horse right, raising hand.
Honorius riding six-horse chariot, oncoming, raising hand and holding globe
Honorius seated, facing, holding mappa and scepter with eagle atop.
Honorius standing left, holding scepter and resting hand on shield; being crowned by Victory to right, holding palm
Honorius standing left, holding Victory on globe and labarum
539
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
Honorius standing right, dragging captive and raising hand; kneeling captive to right
Honorius standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe
Honorius standing right, stepping on captive, holding vexillum reading VOT / X and shield reading MVL / XX
Honorius standing, facing, holding labarum and globe
Honorius standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; kneeling captive to left
Honorius standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Honorius standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe
Honorius standing, facing, stepping on lion, holding scepter with christogram atop and parazonium, being crowned by Hand of God
Honorius, Theodosius II and Arcadius standing, facing, each holding a scepter
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing each other, together holding shield reading VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX; palm between them.
Roma seated, facing, holding Victory on globe and spear
Roma standing, facing, holding trophy and Victory; shield to right
Victory advancing forward, holding wreath and globe
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / V / MVLT / X; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / XXX / MVLT / XXXX; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XV / XX
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XX / XXX
Victory standing left, holding cross
Wreath, VOT / X / MVLT / XV within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
11)
12)
13)
14)
Ravenna
Roma
Sirmium
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
RIC 1287 (X, Honorius)

RIC 2 (X, Arcadius)
B2, O3, R13, T12, M11 Exe: R/V/COMOB

B2, O3, R13, T12, M12 Exe: R/M/COMOB
B2, O3, R13, T12, M09 Exe: M/D/COMOB
B2, O3, R13, T12, M13 Exe: S/M/COMOB
B6, O3, R13, T18, M11 Exe: R/V/COB
B8, O3, R03, T01, M05 Exe: */CONOB
B8, O3, R03, T01, M05 Exe: */CONOB
B8, O3, R03, T01, M14 Exe: */COMOB
B8, O3, R03, T01, M14 Exe: */TESOB
B8, O3, R03, T01, M14 Exe: COMOB
Officina at end of reverse legend
RIC 8 (X, Arcadius)

RIC 348 (X, Theodosius II)
RIC 38 (X, Arcadius)
AU Semissis
13)
AU Tremissis
14)
15)


AR Miliarense
16)
B1, O3, R07, T17, M05 Exe: */CON
AR Siliqua
17)
18)
19)
B2, O3, R13, T27, M09 Exe: MD

B2, O3, R19, T21, M09 Exe: MDPS
B2, O3, R19, T21, M12 Exe: RMPS

RIC 32d (IX, Mediolanum)
AE2
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
B2, O3, R07, T14, M02 Exe: ANT`

B2, O3, R07, T14, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O3, R07, T14, M07 Exe: SMH`
B2, O3, R07, T14, M10 Exe: SMN`
B2, O3, R07, T15, M05 Exe: CONS`
RIC 68e (IX, Antioch), L 2784

RIC 27c (IX, Heraclea), L 1988
540
AE3
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
B2, O3, R07, T05, M05 Exe: CONS`

B2, O3, R07, T05, M14 Exe: TES`
B2, O3, R07, T06, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O3, R07, T11, M12 Exe: SMR`
B2, O3, R07, T19, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O3, R07, T19, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O3, R16, T09, M01 Exe: ALE`
B2, O3, R16, T09, M02 Exe: ANT`
B2, O3, R16, T09, M05 Exe: CONS`
B2, O3, R16, T09, M05 Exe: SMK`
B2, O3, R16, T09, M10 Exe: SMN`
B8, O3, R03, T01, M05 Exe: CONS`
Reference(s)
* behind bust
* behind bust
RIC 399 (X, Theodosius II), L 2223

RIC 69e (IX, Antiochia)
RIC 1357 (X, Honorius), L 827
RIC 153 (X, Arcadius), L 2802
RIC 61c (IX, Constantinopolis), L 2206
* behind bust
* behind bust
AE4
37)
38)
B2, O3, R07, T05, M06 Exe: SMK`

B2, O3, R09, T26, M03 Exe: AQ`
* behind bust

RIC 1238 (X, Honorius), L 1113
Honorius Busts
Honorius Types
541
Of no relation whatsoever to the Constantinian dynasty of the
previous century, Constantine was a common soldier based in
Britain. He was acclaimed emperor by his fellow soldiers in 407
after Germanic tribes posed an imminent threat that Rome was
unwilling to deal with. It seems he then gathered these soldiers,
Augustus 407-411
abandons Britain and settles in Arelate. Soon after he names his
son co-emperor, renames him Constans (again, to keep
appearances) and sets off to consolidate and expand his territory. Constantine is then able to subdue Spain into
his domain but loses it shortly afterwards when a revolt has Maximus (son of a powerful general) named emperor.
Unable to meet this new threat,
Constantine then flees but is captured
and executed.
As with most other usurpers, this renegade emperor also
depended on provincial mints to strike coins. Fifth century
usurpers are all the more rare because the Roman economy was
Busts:
in a tailspin. For this reason base metal coinage, that which is
1)
most suitable for small-scale commerce, is rarest of all while
2)
precious metal coins just had to be made to pay the soldiers.
Without a supply of silver and gold no man would risk his life on
Obverses:
the battlefield and, in fact, when the strongmen ran out of gold
1)
DN CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
they had to assume they were in grave danger.
Constantine III
2)
3)
FL CL CONSTANTINVS PF AVG
FL CL CONSTANTINVS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
CONCORDIA AVGGGG
VICTORIA AAAVGGGG
VICTORIA AAVGGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
Considering all this a coin of Constantine III is not surprisingly a

rarity. However, among rarities his are not among the rarest.
There are a fair number of Solidi and Siliquae still extant and they
come to market fairly regularly.
A Siliqua may be expected to cost $500-$1,000 while the Solidus
trades between $2,500 to over $5,000.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Constantine III standing right, holding labarum and Victory on globe.

Constantine III standing right, stepping on seated captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Cross; Alpha and Omega on either side.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm.
Mints:
1)
2)
Arelate
Lugdunum
3)
4)
Trier
Uncertain
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC X 1514
RIC X 1505
B1, O1, R4, T2, M3 Exe: TROBS

B2, O1, R3, T2, M2 Exe: L/D/COMOB
AR Siliqua
3)
4)
5)
B1, O1, R4, T4, M1 Exe: SMAR

B1, O1, R4, T4, M2 Exe: SMLD
B1, O1, R4, T4, M3 Exe: TRMS
Constantine III Busts
RIC X 1538
RIC X 1531
RIC X 1533
Constantine III Types
542
Constans II
Augustus c.409-411
Not to be confused with the better known "Constans II" of the

Byzantine period, Constans was the son of usurper Constantine III
who rebelled against Honorius from his base in Britain.
Constantine III racked up several early military successes and
added Gaul and Spain to his domains. At the height of his glory
days he elevated his son to co-emperor clearly showing his
dynastic aspirations.
Constans, whose real name prior to accession is unknown, was sent to Spain to quell a loyalist revolt. While the
revolt was suppressed in short order, Constans left the independent-minded Gerontius in charge of the region
before returning to Gaul. This proved a mistake for Gerontius would within another year declare his own
independence and inveigh his son, Maximus, with the imperial title. This break in rank played into Honorius' game
plan as the two factions began warring each other and weakening in the process. When the time was right
Honorius sent his ablest general, Constantius III, to deal the final blow to both and thereby recoup all lost
territories with the exception of Britain which he decided to abandon for lack of resources.
Bust:
1)
Obverse:
1)
DN CONSTANS PF AVG
Reverse:
1)
VICTORIA AVGGG
Type:
1)
Making the top 10 list of rarest of Roman

emperors is this Constans person of whom we
know only that he was the son of the rank-and-file
soldier-turned-emperor Constantine III.
There is but one worn coin of his in the entire
British Museum collection. It is like this one
pictured below which went unsold on Ebay in
2003 because it did not meet a reserve set at
$7,000. It would have been a steal at that price
considering no other coins of this emperor have
been offered for sale by any major auction house
for several decades.
Mints:
1)
2)
Arelate
Treveri
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
1)
RIC 1540 (X, Constantine III)
B1, O1, R1, T1, M1 Exe: KONT
543
Following the usurpation of Constantine III, Spain
was caught in the difficult decision of whether to support
the insurgency or remain loyal to Rome. Constantine III
abandoned Britain carrying with him most of his forces to
settle in Gaul so as to consolidate his power base in the
Augustus 409-411
region. He sent a detachment into Spain and the
province readily seceded and sided with Constantine.
However, the occupying forces of Constantine in Spain soon faced internal power struggles with local barbarian
tribes. When word of this strife reached Constantine a delegation was sent to Spain to intervene. Gerontius,
leader of the occupying forces, feared that this delegation was nothing but a secondary force sent for his own
head. In a pre-emptive move he elevated one of his handpicked men, Maximus, who was possibly his own son, to
Augustus.
Maximus
Maximus and Gerontius then went on the offensive and managed to capture and kill Constans, Constantine's son
and co-emperor, and then went on to siege Constantine himself. However, Constantius III arrived with a much
larger army and Gerontius abandoned the siege knowing that to Honorius Maximus was a usurper just as much
as Constantine. They then rushed back to Spain where Gerontius was finally located by Honorius's men and
committed suicide. Maximus himself escaped with his life and blended into the barbarian background. Some years
later a Maximus, possibly this same one, was captured and executed for trying to instigate a rebellion.
Bust:
1)
Obverse:
1)
DN MAXIMVS PF AVG
When they come up for sale, which is not that often, its a sellers
market with prices going well into the thousands.
Reverse:
1)
Supposedly there are only 20 or so coins extant for this short-lived

emperor. And theres no reason to think that their owners are
much in a hurry to part with their treasures. In fact, a good portion
of these are in museums, not private hands.
VICTORIA AVGGG
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Maximus standing left, holding hand of kneeling woman and Victory on globe.
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear
Mint:
1)
Barcino
AR Siliqua
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 1601
B1, O1, R1, T2 Exe: SMBA
AE3
2)
B1, O1, R1, T3 Exe: SMBA
Maximus Bust
Maximus Types
RIC X 1604
544
Priscus Attalus was the first of several puppet emperors in the
final lap of the Roman empire. He was a prominent Senator
when Rome fell under Alaric's siege. In the wake of the
pillaging that ensued, Alaric appointed him to the post in
usurpation of Honorius whose court and castle was in
Augustus 409-410 & 414-415
Ravenna. While Honorius tentatively recognized Attalus as a
colleague he wouldn't cave in to Alaric's demands for territory
handover. Militarily unable to topple Honorius and unsatisfied with mere diplomatic recognition, Alaric seized what
he could and left Rome with Attalus and Galla Placidia, Honorius's sister. Diplomatic activity continued between
the two but Alaric died and negotiations continued under Ataulf, Alaric's brother-in-law.
Priscus Attalus
Ataulf was stonewalled by Honorius in much the same fashion and saw that he'd have to switch strategies if his
ends were to be met. He tried an alliance with Jovinus, usurper under Guntiarius, but these negotiations failed as
well. So he moved his forces against the Jovinus-Sebastianus coalition, defeated them and re-installed Attalus as
emperor. But by this time Honorius had recovered somewhat and was able to move against Ataulf under the
leadership of Constantius III. Constantius blockaded Ataulf's supply route and, seeing that his position was
untenable, retreated leaving Attalus to fend for himself. Attalus was captured in short order, mutilated and then
exiled.
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
IMP PRISCVS ATTALVS PF AVG

PRISC ATTALVS PF AVG
PRISCVS ATTALVS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
INVICTA ROMA AETERNA

RESTITVTIO REIP
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTI
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
No legend
Making the top twenty list of rarest emperors, and

maybe the top ten, is Priscus Attalus whose
accounted-for coins number less than 50 across all
denominations and metal types.
Every few years one turns up and passes,
presumably, from one wealthy collectors bank vault
into the next.
The Siliqua pictured in this section was purchased by
the author on eBay for $2,700 in 2003 which is an
aberration both on price (a bargain) as well as venue
as this sort of rarity usually appears as highlight
offerings by elite coin firms and auction houses.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Priscus Attalus standing left, holding hand of kneeling woman and labarum
Priscus Attalus standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Roma seated, facing, holding Victory on globe and spear.
Victory advancing right, holding trophy and shield
Mints:
1)
2)
Narbo Martius
Roma
AR Medallion
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 1408
B2, O2, R1, T4, M2 Exe: RMPS
AR Siliqua
2)
B1, O2, R1, T3, M2 Exe: */PST
RIC X 1412
AE3
3)
B1, O2, R6, T5, M2 Exe: * over OF/`/SMVRM
RIC X 1414
545
Priscus Attalus Busts
Priscus Attalus Types
An obscure emperor whose rise to power coincided with most

troubling times for the empire. Rome had just been sacked for the
first time in over 800 years, Spain had seceded under their own
ruler as had Britain under Constantine III and the Vandals were
overruning Northern Africa. To add to this loss, Guntiarius, leader
Augustus 411-413
of several barbarian bands seized control of parts of Gaul and
Germany when Constantius III defeated the forces of Constantine
III but had to head back towards Italy for problems there. Guntiarius chose Jovinus, an aristocrat of Gallic origins,
to act as figurehead and diplomatic chip. Before he had had enough time to exhaust recognition or an alliance with
Honorius, Ataulf, a rival barbarian leader, decimated his forces and captured Jovinus who was subsequently
beheaded along with his brother and co-Augustus Sebastianus.
Jovinus
Bust:
1)
Obverse:
1)
DN IOVINVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
RESTITVTOR REIP
VICTORIA AVGG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Among the very rare set of emperors in the fifth century who
ruled out of Italy, Jovinus is one of the easier to find and
affordable. His Siliquae make appearances once or twice a
year among the better stocked coin dealers and on the major
coin catalogs. The going rate for one of these seems to be
from $1,000 to $3,000 with condition only playing a minor role.
When wealthy collectors fight with their wallets over a lonely
coin that cant be found elsewhere illogical things tend to
happen!
This reign, which extends to encompass that of Sebastianus,
either did not make any bronze coins or those that were made
were so few that none have survived. None, at least, in any
sort of condition that would allow one to attrinbute them.
Cross, Alpha and Omega on either side.

Jovinus standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Arelate
Lugdunum
Treveri
AU Solidus
1)
Reference(s)
B1, O1, R1, T2, M1 Exe: A/R/KONOB
AR Siliqua
2)
3)
4)
5)
B1, O1, R2, T3, M1 Exe: KONT

B1, O1, R2, T3, M2 Exe: SMLDV
B1, O1, R2, T3, M3 Exe: TRMS
RIC X 1721
RIC X 1717
RIC X 1711
RIC X 1710
546
Jovinus Bust
Jovinus Types
Shadowiest of the shadow emperors, all that is known about

Sebastianus is that he was the brother of equally obscure
Jovinus. Jovinus was the puppet emperor of a conglomeration
of germanic and gallic tribes loosely headed by a certain
Guntiarius. With their help and in the interest of keeping
Augustus c.412-413
political formalities, they elevated him to "emperor" and
coinage was struck in his name. But there was little, if any
power to be wielded by him beyond palace gesturing. It was under these conditions that one of the few acts as
emperor would be to crown his brother as "co-emperor". Still, Honorius and a host of other tribes took the
happenings seriously enough and considered the German-Gallic area under their nominal custody a runaway
province. Ataulf, now in league with Honorius, sent a large force which easily located and defeated Sebastianus
and then Jovinus (along with another brother, Sallustius). They were beheaded and their heads triumphantly
paraded all the way to the court of Honorius in Ravenna.
Sebastianus
Bust:
1)
Obverse:
1)
DN SEBASTIANVS PF AVG
Reverse:
1)
VICTORIA AVGG
Another impossibly rare emperor, Sebastianus is likely the

rarest of the fifth century Roman emperors though it is
difficult to tell for certain; the other contenders in this
category being Constans II, Glycerius and Olybrius none
of whom appear in even the most eclectic auction venues
except for very rare occasions.
In November of 2000 the auction firm Numismatik Lanz
sold the coin below for $19,074 minus buyers fees.
Type:
1)
Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory on globe and spear.
Mint:
1)
Arelate
AR Siliqua
1)
B1, O1, R1, T1, M1 Exe: KON
Reference(s)
547
Constantius III was a general under Honorius. It was thanks to him
and his armies that the usurpers Constantine III, Constans II and
Maximus were defeated and their domains returned to the empire.
As recognition for these triumphs Honorius gave him his sister,
Galla Placidia, in marriage and made him co-emperor in 421.
Augustus 421
However, Theodosius II out in the eastern half of the empire would
not recognize Constantius. To assert his title, Constantius then
prepared to take on Theodosius but became ill and died before plans could materialize. Galla became pregnant
before his death and their son Valentinian III would in a few years become emperor himself.
Constantius III
Busts:
1)
2)
In power for only about half a year, and a year in which

not many coins seem to have been struck at that, adds
up to one of the great rarities in Roman Imperial
coinage.

Obverses:
1)
DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Constantius III standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum

and Victory on globe.
Mint:
1)
2)
Narbo Martius
Ravenna
Over the last several years only two seem to have come
up for sale. One was a Solidus sold at auction for over
$24,000 and the other a controversial Siliqua for a tenth
that much. The controversy stems around an odd
exergue marking, SMN, which would possibly indicate
Sacra Moneta Narbonensis. Priscus Attalus had used
the city as an imperial seat a few years before and had
struck some coins from here. However, Honorius,
Constantius IIIs patron, is not known to have minted
any coins from here himself so it seems odd. The coin
itself appears genuine however. It is listed here with the
caveat that the exergue, which is only partially readable,
may read something else entirely or have an
unconventional arrangement that indicates Ravenna
which would be the most likely location. It certainly does
not refer to Nicomedia which was very far from his
sphere of control.
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
AR Siliqua
2)
B1, O1, R3, T2, M1 Exe: SMN
Constantius III Busts
Constantius III Types
548
Galla Placidia led probably the most dramatic life of any
empress. She was the daughter of Theodosius and halfsister of both Honorius and Arcadius. While living in
Rome during the sacking of 410, she was kidnapped by
Alaric and taken to Carthage. Although Alaric died soon
b.388 - d.450
afterwards, his successor, Athaulf, went on to Gaul with
the intention of eventually deposing Honorius. In transit
he forcibly married Galla, most likely to strengthen his claim to a would-be throne. He was defeated and chased
out of Gaul, along with her, into Spain where he died in 415. At this point another rival barbarian leader, Singeric,
captured her and the remaining Roman entourage that left Rome five years previously. However, Singeric and his
forces were outmaneuvered by Constantius III, key general under Honorius and forced into a treaty which gained
Galla's release. She then married Constantius III as part of his reward for his battle successes. But Constantius III
died a couple of years later and, in what was to be a scandal not seen since the days of Commodus, Honorius
took a rather unhealthy liking to his half sister. The scandal only ended with his death for unrelated reasons.
Galla Placidia
Galla, who Honorius had exiled just prior to his death (as part of his damage control program), now wandered
towards Constantinople with her son Valentinian III. She arrived at the court of Theodosius II who saw a perfect
pretext to meddle in the affairs of the West. By proclaiming his support of her through Valentinian as the rightful
heir to the throne, he moved militarily in a coup that deposed Johannes, Honorius's successor. Johannes was
executed and Valentinian III was restored as the nominal emperor although it was understood that Galla was the
real power behind the throne. In turn, Theodosius was able to exert considerable influence over both. With
Valentinian's growing older and external pressures her influence waned. Not long after Valentinian married she
retired from politics and spent the rest of her life devoted to charitable works.
Busts:
1)
2)
Diademed, draped bust right

Diademed, draped bust right, being crowned by Hand of God
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
AEL PLACIDIA AVG

DN GALLA PLACIDIA AVG
GALLA PLACIDIA AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
CONCORDIA AVG
IMP XXXXII COS XVII PP
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICE
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
No legend
Difficult to find and expensive to obtain about sums it

up for this and following First Ladies of the later
Roman empire.
Curiously, the least expensive (and rare) coins will
be the gold denominations followed by silver and last
the lowly bronze which by now is next to impossible
to find in anything but crude lumps of cheap, leaded
alloys that have only the faintest portrait outlines and
legends. When that rare one comes up for sale that
has halfway decent features collectors line up to get
their hands on it.
A Tremissis will start at around $1,000 and a Solidus
for $2,500 to over $10,000.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Constantinopolis seated left, holding cross on globe and scepter; shield to side.
Cross
Galla Placidia seated, facing
Roma seated left, holding cross on globe and scepter
Valentinian III seated, facing, holding mappa
Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho design
Victory standing left, holding cross; star above.
Wreath, cross within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Constantinopolis
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
1)
2)
3)

Reference(s)

RIC 1333 (X, Valentinian III)
549
4)
5)


AU Tremissis
6)
AR Siliqua
7)
8)
B1, O2, R3, T07, M2 Exe: RVPS

B1, O2, R7, T09, M2 Exe: RV

AE4
9)
B2, O2, R4, T2, M3 Exe: RM
RIC 2113 (X, Valentinian III), L 857
Galla Placidia Busts
Galla Placidia Types
Johannes was a high-ranking civil servant under Honorius. When

the emperor died there was no clear successor and Johannes was
proclaimed Augustus with the help and approval of a former
Honorius general. Johannes's title was immediately contested by
Theodosius II who stood to gain politically by aligning himself with
Augustus 423-425
Constantius III's widow, Galla Placidia, and her infant son
Valentinian III. Accordingly, an army was sent to crush Johannes
and he was captured, publicly ridiculed, mutilated and then executed.
Johannes
During the latter part of Honoriuss reign and after his death a slew of obscure emperors had been taking
their turn at claiming the imperial title. However, Johannes is the first successor who manages to stay on the
position long enough for any appreciable amount of coins to be struck for him.
But thats not to say a coin of Johannes is trivially easy to come by. While a bronze of Honorius is cheap and
easy to find that generally holds true because early in his reign small bronzes were still being made in great
quantities. By the time of his death however the production of base coinage had slowed to a trickle. And
these are decidedly cruder in style and craftsmanship. Oddly enough ones best hope of finding a coin of his
is among the very small coins offered for sale as uncleaned. Among these very difficult to restore coins a
Johannes turns up every now and then. Almost never will they have more than a few letters visible but
sometimes can be positively IDd based on a portrait that is bearded or the abstracted form of a Victory on
the reverse coupled with misshapen letters; that is, if any are still legible!
These coins, when attributable, are always worth a few hundred dollars with surviving condition being the
most important variable. A coin with a readable part of his name will command a hefty premium. Silver and
gold coins will appear with some regularity on the catalogs of coin dealers and auction houses but priced
well out of reach of the budget of most collectors.
550
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverse:
1)
DN IOHANNES PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
SALVS REIPVBLICE
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
4)
5)
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VRBS ROMA
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Johannes standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe.
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and spear
Victory advancing left, holding trophy and dragging captive
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and cross on globe
Victory seated right, holding shield on column with Chi-Ro inside; Genius below and to right also holding shield.
Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm
Mints:
1)
2)
Arelate
Mediolanum
3)
4)
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 1901
AU Semissis
2)
B2, O1, R4, T6 Exe: COMOB
RIC X 1903
AU Tremissis
3)
RIC X 1904
AE4
4)
5)
6)
7)
B1, O1, R2, T4, M4 Exe: `/RM

B1, O1, R1, T3, M4 Exe: over `/RM
B1, O1, R1, T3, M4 Exe: `RM
B1, O1, R1, T3, M4 Exe: /RM`
RIC X 1910
RIC X 1916, L 833
RIC X 1920, L 837
RIC X 1923, L 838
Johannes Busts
Johannes Types
551
The grandson of Valentinian II, Valentinian III was the son of
Constantius III (who in turn had no relation to the Constantines).
He grew up like royalty and became Caesar, then emperor very
early in life. However, he had no real power as first his mother and
then the general Aetius restricted his ability to rule by imposing
Augustus 425-455
their own will. Apparently in an effort to rid himself of the influence
of Aetius he managed to get the general assassinated but rather
than free him, Aetius's bodyguard avenged his murder by killing the emperor a few months later.
Valentinian III
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Diademed (rosettes), draped and cuirassed bust
right
Diademed bust left, wearing consular robes,
holding mappa and cross
Diademed bust left, wearing consular robes,
holding mappa and scepter with eagle atop
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust
facing, holding spear and shield
right, holding spear and shield
right
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
DN PL VALENTINIANVS PF AG
DN PL VALENTINIANVS PF AVG
DN PLA VALENTINIANVS PF AVG
DN PLACIDVS VALENTINIANVS PF AVG
DN VAL CHA
DN VALEN AVG
DN VALENTINIANO PF AVG
Although the listings below show a rather lengthy corpus the fact is
that outside of a Solidus or two the coins of Valentinian III are much
rarer than a thirty-year reign might suggest. And if that Solidus could
be considered common, which it really isnt, it is only because it
was being struck by prolific moneyer Theodosius II in faraway
Constantinople. The issues struck in Italy are for the most part pretty
rare and expensive.
Bronzes are also difficult to come by. Oddly, it is easier to find an
AE4 of Johannes, who ruled less than two years, than one of
Valentinian. Even odder, despite being rarer the Johannes AE4s are
always worth a lot more anyway! However, affordability aside, do not
expect his bronzes to be exactly objets dart as they are invariably
poorly preserved and with most features obliterated. Whatever is left
will likely have been shoddily done in the first place making
attribution a nightmare.
Well, at least theres that eastern-mint Solidus which is found easily
enough and should cost around $600 each.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
ADVENT S S DN AVG
CAS VIC
CONCORDIA AVG
CONCORDIA AVGV
FELICITER NVBTIIS
GLORIA ROMANORVM
INVICTISSIMO
ROMA
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICE
VICTO AVG
VICTOR AVGVS
VICTORIA AGG
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOT PVB
VOT X MVLT XX
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
VOTIS XXX MVLTIS XXXX
VRBIS ROMA
VRBS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
City gate with (2) turrets.

Cross
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and cross.
Roma seated, facing, holding globe and scepter.
Valentinian III advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum.
Valentinian III and Licinia Eudoxia standing, facing, holding hands with Theodosius II between and behind them, hands on their shoulders
Valentinian III and Theodosius II seated, facing, each holding mappa and cross; star above.
Valentinian III and Theodosius II seated, facing, each holding spear and cross between them
Valentinian III and Theodosius II standing, facing, together holding a cross and each a spear
Valentinian III riding horse left, raising hand
Valentinian III seated, facing, holding mappa and cross
Valentinian III seated, facing, holding mappa and scepter with eagle atop.
Valentinian III standing, facing, holding hand of kneeling person to left and holding scepter with crossed tip.
Valentinian III standing, facing, holding labarum and Christogram on globe
Valentinian III standing, facing, stepping on human-headed snake, holding cross and Victory on globe.
Valentinian III to left, standing, facing, holding mappa and scepter with crossed tip and Licinia Eudoxia to right, standing, facing, holding cross
Valentinian III to right, standing, facing, holding cross on globe and globe, being crowned by Hand of God, facing Theodosius II to left, standing, facing,
holding cross and globe
Victories (2) standing, facing each other, together holding palm
Victory advancing forward, holding wreath and cross on globe.
Victory advancing forward, holding wreath in each hand
Victory advancing right, dragging captive and holding trophy
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT/X/MVLT/XX on column; Genius below and to right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XV/ XX
Victory standing, facing, holding wreath in each hand.
552
30)
31)
32)
33)

Wreath, VOT / XV within
Wreath, VOT / XX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Aquileia
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
AU Medallion
1)
4)
5)
6)
Mediolanum
Ravenna
Roma
7)
8)
Thessalonica
Treveri
Reference(s)
B1, O7, R01, T12, M02 Exe: */CONOB
AU Solidus
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

B5, O8, R07, T02, M02 Exe: */COMOB

AU Semissis
10)
AU Tremissis
11)
12)
13)

B1, O8, R18, T21, M02 Exe: */COMOB

AR Siliqua
14)
B1, O3, R16, T23, M05 Exe: RV
AE3
15)
B6, O8, R04, T11, M02 Exe: CON
AE4
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
B1, O3, R11, T23, M06 Exe: `/RM

B1, O5, R16, T23, M06 Exe: ROM
B1, O8, R15, T23, M06 Exe: */RM
B1, O8, R16, T20, M06 Exe: `/RM
B1, O8, R20, T01, M06 Exe: RSM

553
Valentinian III Busts
Valentinian III Types
554
The wife of Valentinian III, when her husband was killed,
Petronius Maximus, the successor, forced her to marry
him. This outrage she never forgave him. In fact, she
made an appeal to Gaiseric of the Vandals and all of the
Roman empire was to suffer for her vengeance. Gaiseric
? c.493
sailed off from his home base in Africa and plundered
Rome and its few remaining cities. Licinia was carried off
as part of the loot but was later returned to the emperor Leo in Constantinople where she lived for the remainder
of her life.
Licinia Eudoxia
Busts:
1)
2)
3)

Diademed, facing bust wearing necklace and imperial dress
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
AEL EVDOXIA AVG

DN ELIA EVDOXIA PF AVG
LICINIA EVDOXIA PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

SALVS ORIENTIS FELICITAS OCCIDENTIS
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
No legend
On the whole, coins featuring Roman empresses

are rare. Of these, those of the Western half of the
empire are considerably rarer than the Eastern.
And of the paltry few coins left of Western Roman
empresses those of Licinia are exceptionally rare.
Only Euphemia, the wife of Anthemius, is more
elusive.
Her known coins are all gold denominations and
the lucky few collectors who can say they own one
will not part with these minor treasures for cheap.
On the occasions they show up at auction these
coins always realize prices in excess of $5,000
regardless of condition.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Constantinopolis seated left, holding cross on globe and scepter.

Licinia Eudoxia and Valentinian III standing, facing; she holds scepter, he holds mappa and scepter.
Licinia Eudoxia seated, facing, holding cross on globe and scepter with crossed tip.
Victory standing left, holding cross.
Wreath, cross within.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Constantinopolis
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
B2, O1, R6, T1, M1 Exe: */CONOB

Licinia Eudoxia Busts
Licinia Eudoxia Types
555
Honoria
Justa Gratia Honoria was the sister of Valentinian III and

daughter of Galla Placidia.
? - d.454
Busts:
1)
2)

Diademed, draped bust right; Hand of God above
Obverse:
1)
DN IVST GRAT HONORIA PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
BONO REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
No legend
The house of Valentinian III was not short on women

involved in the politics of the day. But it was short on
those same womens likenesses being cast onto
coins. Like Licinia Eudoxia in the previous section,
Honoria is known through a handful of gold coins but
no bronzes.
A Tremissis or Solidus comes up for sale every once
in a great while for a few thousand dollars each.
Types:
1)
2)

Mints:
1)
2)
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
AU Tremissis
2)
Honoria Busts
Honoria Types
556
Petronius Maximus was one of the most powerful and
wealthy politicians of Rome during the fifth century.
Following Valentinian III's assassination there was little
indication who would succeed the imperial throne.
Maximus positioned himself as the likeliest candidate
Augustus 455
and probably with a fair dose of palm greasing within the
Senate achieved the succession. Immediately after, he
forced the marriage to Valentinian's own widow to validate his imperial claim. It proved to be political suicide.
Petronius Maximus
Licinia Eudoxia, a powerful and well-connected noble in her own right, harbored intense resentment over Maximus
whom she had good reason of suspecting foul play in her former husband's death. And now the forced marriage
was the last straw. Secretly, she appealed for help to the weakening empire's greatest adversary at the moment,
the Vandals of Africa. Led by King Gaiseric, the Vandals needed little incentive to go on a looting rampage and
thus set the wheels in motion for a major invasion of Italy. As the invasion became known in Rome a panic ensued
and turned into a desperate mob. Unraveling what had happened and what was surely to become, they tracked
down Maximus in his palace and stoned him to death with the tiles of his own roof after a reign of only about two
months.
Gaiseric wasn't long in coming, pillaging Rome a second time and hauling off with whatever loot it could find
including, ironically enough, Licinia Eudoxia herself.
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverse:
1)
DN PETRONIVS MAXIMVS PF AVG
Reverse:
1)
VICTORIA AVGGG
Type:
1)
The western Roman empire during the fifth century

produced relatively few coins. Precious metal coinage
was struck erratically as specie became available and
then mostly to pay off barbarian tribes in tribute or its own
rag-tag band of soldiers.
st
Having ruled from March 16 through May 31 , Petronius

Maximus barely had any time in office. Given these two
variables its hardly a wonder that he easily makes the
top ten list of rarest of Roman emperors to be featured on
a coin. The few that do make it to auction will invariably
reach five or six figures.
Petronius Maximus standing, facing, stepping on serpent, holding cross and Victory on globe.
Mints:
1)
2)
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 2201
557
Avitus was the leading commander under Petronius Maximus and
was elevated to the throne when Maximus was killed. He held on
to power for almost a year before the citizens of Rome revolted
over one of the now-common food shortages. Taking advantage of
the unrest, the general Ricimer and his aide Majorian mutinied and
Augustus 455-456
Avitus fled towards Gaul, which is where his main powerbase was.
However, the forces of Ricimer caught up with him and his
entourage was defeated. Avitus attempted to gain sanctuary in a nearby temple but Ricimer laid siege to it until
Avitus either committed suicide or starved to death.
Avitus
Busts:
1)
2)
Despite clocking a little more time at the top than

Petronius Maximus, Avituss coins are hardly any
more abundant. The fact remains that the western
section of the empire is rapidly collapsing and
there is neither need nor resources for minting
money. As always, what little gold can be
scrounged up to pay for critical government and
military services is coined anyway and a few
vestigial mementos therefore remain of this
troubled ruler.

Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
DN AVITVS PERP AG
DN AVITVS PERP AVG
DN AVITVS PERP F AVG
DN AVITVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Surprisingly enough, even a handful of crude

bronzes have been identified as well. All of these
coins are extreme rarities.
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VRBIS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Avitus standing right, stepping on captive, holding cross and Victory on globe.
Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Arelate
Mediolanum
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 2401
B2, O3, R3, T1, M1 Exe: A/R/COMOB
AU Tremissis
2)
RIC X 2402
AE4
3)
4)
B1, O4, R1, T3, M3 Exe: */RM

B1, O4, R1, T3, M3 Exe: `/RM
Avitus Busts
RIC X 2412
RIC X 2413
Avitus Types
558
Majorian ruled for a comparatively lengthy four-year reign at
the end of the Roman empire. Having been associated in his
youth with Aetius, the commander slain by Valentinian III, his
imperial title came at the disposition of the general Ricimer
with whom he was also involved. Ricimer would have loved to
Augustus 457-461
make himself emperor but his barbarian blood prevented him
from the post. His discretion in not forcing the issue meant he
wouldn't have to quell any revolts within Italy and his choice to appoint his friend Majorian would have been the
next best thing.
Majorian
Majorian himself appears to have had a commendable character. Widespread discontent had been rampant ever
since tax collectors refused the legal tender of the day and instead demanded payment in money minted by
second-century emperors! So in a bid to ease tensions in the moribund empire he nullified past debts owed to the
state treasury. By resetting the public balance sheet Majorian could only have gained a good deal of popularity
and perhaps this explains why his tenure as emperor lasted so long compared to his two immediate predecessors.
However, his downfall was soon to come just at the height of his glory.
With the newfound unity among Romans, Majorian set out to reclaim the north African coast lost to the Vandals
and which had been for the past 50 years its single biggest loss. Carthage and its adjoining provinces was Italy's
breadbasket and without it the Roman empire was slowly starving. Majorian and Ricimer devised a plan to drive
the Vandals out of Africa by building a powerful new navy from scratch. As the army set sail by way of Spain
someone double-crossed the two and the navy ships were ambushed while in port at Carthagena. Majorian and
Ricimer's grand scheme crumbled without a way to mount an invasion. Suddenly his formerly grateful subjects
turned on him and threatened rebellion. Whether Ricimer let him resign or Majorian himself abdicated is unsure.
Several days later he was found dead and although the historical references point to disease the timing seems to
favor an alternate, more violent end.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Diademed bust facing, wearing consular robes, holding mappa and scepter
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
DN IVL MAIORIANVS C
DN IVL MAIORIANVS PE AVG
DN IVL MAIORIANVS PER AVG
DN IVL MAIORIANVS PF
DN IVL MAIORIANVS PF A
DN IVL MAIORIANVS PF AVG
DN IVLIVS MAIORIANVS
DN IVLIVS MAIORIANVS F AVG
DN IVLIVS MAIORIANVS PE AVG
DN IVLIVS MAIORIANVS PF AV
DN IVLIVS MAIORIANVS PF AVG
DN MAIORIANE PF AVG
DN MAIORIANE PT AVG
DN MAIORIANVS PF AVG
DN MAIORIANVS PT AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VOTIS MVLTIS
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Majorian and Leo I seated, facing, each holding mappa and scepter with crossed tip.
Majorian standing left, holding spear and shield
Majorian standing, facing, resting hand on head of captive and holding labarum
Majorian standing, facing, stepping on snake, holding cross and Victory on globe.
Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm.
Under Majorians four year reign the

social, political and economic
upheavals of the previous years get a
much needed period of rest. Coins,
however, continue to be struck in very
limited quantities and no significant
effort is expended in halting the
artistic slide committed into their
production.
A few small coppers survive and
these are the cheapest. They still
run quite pricey at a minimum of $500
each and for this one should expect
no more than a barely identifiable
specimen.
Silver and, of course, gold coins hold
up better with full- or near-full legends
being the norm. When available, they
will cost at least a thousand dollars
and, more typically, several thousand.
559
Mints:
1)
2)
Arelate
Mediolanum
3)
4)
Ravenna
Roma Suspected, but not yet confirmed
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC X 2627
RIC X 2614
B4, O11, R2, T4, M1 Exe: A/R/COMOB.

AU Tremissis
3)
RIC X 2611
AR Siliqua
4)
B4, O07, R1, T5, M2
RIC X 2650
AE3/AE4
5)
6)
B1, O06, R2, T6, M2 Exe: MD

B1, O06, R2, T6, M3 Exe: RV
RIC X 2646, L 582

RIC X 2616, L 586
Majorian Busts
Majorian Types
Libius Severus
Augustus 461-465
Bust:
1)
2)

Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
DN LIB SEVERVS PF AVG

DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PE AVG
DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PERPE AVG
DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PERPETV AG
DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PERPETV AVG
DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PF AV
DN LIBIVS SEVERVS PF AVG
No legend
After the execution of Majorian in 461 the general Ricimer placed

Severus as emperor. Only emperor in name, Ricimer remained the
true power in the quickly deteriorating Roman Empire. Little else is
known about this emperor other than the fact that he died in office
of natural causes, in itself a remarkable feat for this turbulent
period.
A four year reign could be considered lengthy and yet finding a
coin of Libius Severus outside of a museum is a rare sight
indeed. In terms of rarity one could compare him with Didius
Julianus or Laelianus both of whom had much, much briefer
reigns.
Still, the collector will find that for the period his coins are that
much easier to locate than those of his immediate
predecessors and succesors. The collector will also begin to
see Romes final lap in the crudeness of the designs and the
carelessness of the strikings.
Any coin of Libius Severus may be expected to cost at least
several hundreds of dollars and from there up, up, up.
560
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTO AVG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VRBIS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Monogram
Severus standing, facing, stepping on snake, holding cross and Victory on globe
Wreath, christogram within
Wreath, monogram within
Mints:
1)
2)
Arelate
Mediolanum
3)
4)
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
RIC X 2724
RIC X 2719
RIC X 2706

B2, O7, R3, T3, M3 Exe: R/V/CONOB
B2, O7, R3, T3, M4 Exe: R/M/C
AU Tremissis
4)
5)
6)

RIC X 2709
RIC X 2726
RIC X 2710
AR Siliqua
7)
B2, O1, R5, T4, M4 Exe: RM
RIC X 2713
AE4
8)
B2, O8, R5, T1
RIX X 2716
Libius Severus Busts
Libius Severus Types
561
Unlike at any other time in Roman history up until this point,
following the death of Libius Severus there was no one to take his
place in imperial succession. Ricimer was the powerful general in
charge of the army and for over a year and a half he handled the
administrative duties of the empire. Not that that changed anything.
Augustus 467-472
Ricimer had been the real power in the Western Empire for several
years. Severus had just been his charade of an emperor placed
there to appease the Senate and the rest of the Roman world which expected a Roman leader (Ricimer himself
being of barbarian descent).
Anthemius
However, Ricimer had no one else in mind as window dressing after Severus' passing. Still, appearances or no an
emperor had to be formally named sooner or later. In the camp of Ricimer a Roman of barbarian sympathies,
Olybrius, had been proposed and it seemed as though he would be elevated. But out east Leo I had had ample
time to hear of the developments in Rome. Being far more powerful politically and militarily, he decided to appoint
a puppet of his own, Anthemius, to head the Western court. Deciding not to risk a civil war he could definitely not
win, Ricimer stepped aside and welcomed Anthemius.
But Anthemius was no idle pretender. He had served Leo faithfully as a general and had won several key battles
on his behalf. In fact, he was so popular over there that he was expected to be the one to succeed Marcian. So
Leo in effect rid himself of a future potential problem by both promoting Anthemius and removing him from the
spotlight.
But the new emperor was like a fish out of water. He lacked the resources to mount an effective campaign to
regain Gaul or Spain and the whole of Africa had now been decidedly lost to the Romans following the fiasco of
the expedition led by Basiliscus. He ruled for five uneasy years with Ricimer until tensions strained past the
breaking point. Ricimer marched towards Rome at the head of a large army and laid siege to a weakened Rome.
As expected, the meager forces of Anthemius gave way and the emperor was captured and executed.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Helmeted, diademed (pearls), cuirassed bust facing, holding
spear over shoulder and shield
Helmeted, diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust
facing, holding spear over shoulder
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
DN ANTHEMIVS PE AVG
DN ANTHEMIVS PERP AVG
DN ANTHEMIVS PERPE AVG
DN ANTHEMIVS PERPET AV
DN ANTHEMIVS PERPET AVG
DN ANTHEMIVS PERPETV AG
DN ANTHEMIVS PERPETV AVG
DN ANTHEMIVS PF AG
DN ANTHEMIVS PF AVG
DN PROC ANTHEMIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGGG
VRBIS ROMA
No legend
Among the various Rome-based emperors left after the fall of

Valentinian III, Anthemius will be the easiest for whom to find a
coin. But dont rush to your corner coin shop just yet. He comes
in a really long distant second after Valentinian III and will be an
invariably rare offering today. Among these the most common
will be the Solidus and Tremissis which will easily cost over a
thousand dollars a piece when available.
To make things a bit more interesting the official mints are now
making gold coins of an artistic style so crude that they often get
confused with imitative contemporary coins known to be made
by the various tribes at the edges of the empire like the Vandals
and Ostrogoths. These apparently co-mingled with the official
strikes back then as long as they were of appropriate weight and
purity and today sell for neither a premium nor a penalty on the
market but simply make attribution a bit more difficult.
Bronzes exist in an almost theoretical plane such as catalog
listings like in this book! The real-life chances of finding an
honest-to-goodness, fully identifiable Anthemius copper coin is
about on a par with finding a Van Gogh at a yard sale.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Anthemius and Leo I seated, facing, each holding mappa and scepter with crossed tip.
Anthemius and Leo I standing, facing each other, holding together cross and each a globe.
Anthemius and Leo I standing, facing, together holding cross and each a spear
Anthemius and Leo I standing, facing, together holding cross on globe and each a spear.
Anthemius and Leo I standing, facing, together holding cross on globe reading PAX; emperor on right hold Victory on globe.
Wreath, Chi-Rho within.
Wreath, cross within with pellets at each tip
562
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Mediolanum
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
RIC X 2866
RIC X 2890
RIC X 2889
RIC X 2816
B2, O10, R2, T03, M2 Exe: RV/COMOB

B3, O05, R2, T04, M1 Exe: MD/COMOB
B3, O08, R2, T04, M1 Exe: MD/COMOB
B3, O08, R2, T04, M2 Exe: /COMOB
B3, O08, R2, T04, M3 Exe: /CORMOB
B3, O10, R2, T03, M2 Exe: RV/COMOB
B4, O08, R2, T04, M3 Exe: RM over /COMOB
RIC X 2872
RIC X 2868
RIC X 2831
AU Semissis
9)
RIC X 2837
AU Tremissis
10)
11)
12)

RIC X 2847
RIC X 2852
RIC X 2842
AE4
13)
B1, O08, R5, T11
RIC X 2859
Anthemius Busts
Anthemius Types
563
Wife of Anthemius. Euphemia was a noble related to the house
of Valentinian III. When this emperor was murdered (Anthemius
was highly suspected of being involved) Anthemius forcibly
married Eufemia in a bid to legitimize his claim to the throne. This
marriage proved a constant irritant and continuing insult to the
?-?
memory of Valentinian and she sought to undermine her new
husband by any means possible. Her last and boldest attempt
proved successful in a sense. By inciting a Vandal king to come to her aid and free her he found the little pretext
he needed and proceeded to raid and sack Rome.
Euphemia
Bust:
1)
Forget about it. Like most other Roman empresses,

especially those from the Western court, the coins of
this ephemeral entity are impossibly rare. So much
so that one is not likely to find any of her coins in any
of the major numismatic auctions.
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
DN AEL MARC EVEEMIAE PP AVG

DN AEL MARC EVFEMIAE PP AVG
DN AEL MARC EVFEMIAE PF AVG
DN AEL MARC EVFIMIAE AVG
DN AEL MARC EVFYMIAE PP AVG
DN AELIA MARCIAE EVFIMI AG
DN EVFYMIA PF AVG
The coin pictured below is from the British Museum

and it is the only one in their possession as of this
writing.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGGG
VRBIS ROMA
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Anthemius and Euphemia standing, holding long crosses.

Roma seated on throne, holding Victory on globe and spear.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
Mediolanum
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
1)
2)
B1, O1, R2, T3, M3 Exe: CORMOB

Reference(s)
* at end of reverse legend
* at end of reverse legend
RIC 2827 (X, Anthemius)
564
Anicius Olybrius
Augustus 472
sought after by affluent collectors.
Bust:
1)
Obverses:
1)
2)
DN ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AVG

DN ANICIVS OLYBRIVS AG
One of the shadowier of the "shadow emperors", Olybrius

was the last of Ricimer's puppet emperors having been
appointed to the post in the spring of 472. Ricimer died soon
afterwards but Olybrius, an otherwise well-placed Roman
aristocrat, failed to leave his mark on history independent of
Ricimer's own wishes because he, too, would die later that
year. As can be expected, his coins are excessively rare and
Another member of the top ten most difficult and rarest of
emperors means you wont be seeing a coin with his name
on it this side of a museum if its even available there. For
example, the British Museum with its unequalled collection
of ancient coins has only one coin of his, a lonely Tremissis,
a cast of which is pictured below.
Reverse:
1)
2)
SALVS MVNDI
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Cross, jeweled
Cross, plain
Mints:
1)
2)
Mediolanum
Roma
AU Tremissis
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 3003
565
Glycerius
Augustus 473-474
Glycerius was one of the inconsequential emperors holding office

during the Western empire's last heartbeats. He was a puppet of
the barbarian general Gundobad who, apparently seeking a stable
relationship with the much more powerful Eastern half of the
empire, caved in to formalities and chose to exercise his power
over Italy through this chosen puppet.
But Leo I was not fooled and he nominated his own candidate, Julius Nepos, and sent him off towards Italy.
Gundobad evaporated and Glycerius, not wishing to confront Leo's will, abdicated peacefully to Nepos. For his
peaceful disposition in surrender he escaped execution and was subsequently made Bishop of Salona and then
Milan.
Busts:
1)
2)

Although on the throne for a full year Glycerius

seems to have minted remarkably few coins. Hardly
any remain today in private or public hands. The
British Museum, with the worlds largest collection of
Roman coins numbering into the hundreds of
thousands has but one coin of his.
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
DN GLVCERIVS F P AVG
DN GLVCERIVS PF AVG
DN GLYCERIVS F P AVG
DN GLYCERIVS PF AVG
Although a few are in private hands none has come

to market in years.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Glycerius standing with foot on step, holding cross and Victory on globe.
Mints:
1)
2)
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC 3101
B2, O3, R1, T1 Exe: R/V/COMOB
AU Tremissis
2)
RIC 3108
Glycerius Busts
Glycerius Types
566
Julius Nepos rose to power at the behest of Leo, the eastern
emperor. The then current ruler, Glycerius, was but a palace court
appointee and puppet of a conquering barbarian general. On the
approach of Nepos' army, Glycerius abdicated and was allowed to
retire without bloodshed. Nepos himself was to hold on to power
Augustus 474-475
for barely a year before he fled another approaching army of
barbarians. Although without an army, subjects or any legislative
power, Nepos would linger in near anonymity in Northern Italy until he was murdered in 480 by men from his own
bodyguard. From the time he fled Rome until his death he was, however, diplomatically recognized by the court of
Leo as the emperor of the West. Technically at least, he was thus the last emperor outlasting the brief rule of
Romulus Augustus.
Julius Nepos
Busts:
1)
2)

Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over shoulder and
shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
DN IVL NEPOS PF AG
DN IVL NEPOS PF AVG
DN IVLI NEPOS PF AVG
DN IVLI NEPOS PF VAG
No legend
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
But finding a coin of either of these two makes

for a challenging task. Still, a few Tremisses
and the odd Solidus or two turn up with some
frequency among the more exclusive auction
firms.
GLORIA ROMANORVM
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGGG
VRBIS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
During the last twenty years or so the Western

Roman empires entire coin output seems to
have been less than, for example, the brief
three-month reigns of Otho or Florian. Of the
several rulers that were left to sit on the
imperial throne following Valentinian IIIs
death only Libius Severus and Julius Nepos
made enough coins to classify today as
something other than exceedingly rare or
some similar adjective.

Roma seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia.
Roma standing left, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia.
A rough ball park figure for an entry level

grade Tremissis might be two or three
thousand dollars.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Arelate
Mediolanum
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
1)
2)
3)
4)

B2, O2, R3, T4, M2 Exe: M/D/CONOB
B2, O2, R3, T4, M4 Exe: */COMOB
Reference(s)
: at end of reverse legend
RIC X 3235
RIC X 3217
RIC X 3212
RIC X 3206
AU Tremissis
5)
6)

B1, O2, R5, T6 Exe: COMOB The AV in obverse legend is concatenated as ~
RIC X 3211
RIC X 3221
AR Siliqua
7)
B1, O2, R5, T3 R in left field, V in right
RIC X 3216
AE4
8)
B1, O5, R5, T7
RIC X 3222
567
Julius Nepos Busts
Julius Nepos Types
568
Romulus Augustus was the last named emperor of
the Roman empire. He was the son of Orestes, a
barbarian king that overran the Italian peninsula and who
named his son emperor only to keep appearances of
legitimacy. Barely in his teens, this last emperor was to
Augustus 475-476
be thoroughly inconsequential with the exception of
being the last. Soon another barbarian king, Odoacer,
loomed on the horizon and the two kings fought and Odoacer emerged victorious. With Orestes dead, Odoacer
decided to spare the life of Augustus on account of his age but stripped him of his titles and exiled him to a rural
estate to live with relatives. His imperial dress and other related accoutrements were packed and sent to Zeno, the
eastern emperor, along with several senators and they were made to hand over his resignation along with terse
notice to the effect that Rome no longer needed an emperor. And with this the Western Roman empire was
finished as such and began its ultimate slide into the medieval age.
Romulus Augustus
Busts:
1)
2)

Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing holding spear over shoulder and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
DN ROMVL AVGVSTVS PF AG
DN ROMVL AVGVSTVS PF AVG
DN ROMVLVS AGVSTVS P AVG
DN ROMVLVS AGVSTVS PF AVG
DN ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS PF A
DN ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS PF AG
DN ROMVLVS AVGVSTVS PF AVG
DN ROMVLVS AVSTVS PF AG
Reverses:
1)
2)
VICTORIA AVGGG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Roma holding scepter and cornucopia

Wreath, cross within.
The Roman empire ends not with a bang but with a

whimper. Money is the lifeblood of commerce and
there is hardly any of that in the year 476 anywhere in
Italy. The glorious city that was Rome, with a
population estimated at over one million people when
Julius Caesar and Augustus reigned, was now a
decrepit near-ghost town of perhaps less than 25,000
souls. So there was little money needed for the empty
marketplaces nor for soldiers who by and large
werent even Roman.
But, of course, a few were struck regardless. And of
those that survived meltdown or other loss through
time they are very, very highly prized today. On the
few occasions a Romulus Augustus has been offered
at auction hammer prices go well over $20,000.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Arelate
Mediolanum
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 3405
AU Tremissis
2)
B2, O5, R2, T3, M4
Romulus Augustus Busts
RIC X 3409
Romulus Augustus Types
569
The Byzantine Period

The Byzantine age may be said to have been born when Constantinople refounded the already ancient city of
Byzantium into a capital the equal of Rome in the year 330 complete with imperial palaces, a treasury and
autonomous administrative bodies. Already a generation before Diocletian had set the wheels in motion by
splitting the empire into two halves in his Tetrarchy scheme. But while the western emperor always called the
great city of Rome his homebase his eastern associate migrated from one province city to the next without a true
capital to equal Romes splendour and political prominence. It was not until Constantines reign that he addressed
this last need and celebrated the event in an extensive coinage series the likes of which were unprecedented in
Roman history. These are the commonly found today Urbs Roma and Constantinopolis bronzes and the complete
issue spanned several years and was struck at every operating mint.
While Constantine gave the east a capital to rival Rome he still presided over both halves as the empires ultimate
power figure and each of his successors attempted, if not achieved, to be the primary Augustus. When Valentinian
I and later Theodosius ascended the throne they each saw that the two halves had become so different from one
another that it was impractical to rule both effectively at once. What its citizens had until then viewed each other
as countrymen they now regarded more as associates and occasionally as rivals. Culturally, the two had parted
ways long before they had done so at a political level. And upon Theodosiuss death the split became permanent
as his sons Honorius and Arcadius assumed the titles of Augustus and went on to rule their assigned halves
separately.
Numismatically, the Byzantine period is usually attributed as having started under the reign of Anastasius I who in
498 put into effect a complete overhaul of the currency system. Traditionally and up until this point the mint at
Rome served as the model for all other provincial mints and the major issues were carefully coordinated
throughout the empire so that a coin made in London appeared much the same as one from Alexandria. This
coordination and standardization facilitated commerce and lent credibility to the concept of a unified empire.
th
th
However, as the importance of Romes mint waned in the 4 century, and became downright trivial in the 5 ,
Constantinople took increasingly less concern over keeping in tune with Romes way of producing currency. Little
by little Greek letters began replacing Latin ones and other design motifs became differentiated and acquired a
style more readily identifiable to Constantinople and its satellite mints. Within a century after Anastasius reform
few of the quintessentially Roman conventions would remain untampered. Latin, perhaps the most pervasive and
tangible of Roman institutions, would be relegated to the language of religious scholars and political hopefuls but
would practically disappear from coin legends.
As has been pointed out above, the eastern and western halves of the empire had gone their own ways in a
cultural sense long before the formal partitioning. In fact, the east had always proven to be much more resistant to
Romanization than the west or Northern Africa. For much of the Roman imperial period the Greeks had been
allowed special concessions in striking their own money using Greek legends and implementing design elements
of local significance. When the western half finally collapsed the vestigial political hierarchy inherited from the
Romans continued under an infrastructure that would have been considered foreign to an ordinary Roman be he
contemporary or ancient. Thus the Byzantines retained the imperial legacy, incorporating even a nominal Senate,
but discarded most of the other cultural trappings one associates with the ancient Roman culture. And yet they still
identified with the Roman cachet and adopted its name, more often so than Greek, to distinguish themselves from
th
th
outsiders. In an ironical twist, as the might of the Byzantines grew in the 6 and 7 centuries they were able to
recapture the Italian peninsula and proceeded to Byzantify their newly reconquered areas. The implementation of
many of these policies must have seemed wholly foreign to the Romans living there despite the occupiers claims
of a close kinship.
Once the two cultures deviated so much from one another, and these changes reflected on the coins being
covered, it would be improper to consider both cultures chronologically. Rather the previous section follows the
lineage of Honorius through Romes downfall in 476 and the following short section introduces the Byzantine, or
rather proto-Byzantine one which begins neatly under Arcadius and closes with Anastasius I whose reform
precipitates new changes that deviate significantly from the more mainstream Roman coinage. However, it is
worth noting that while each successive Byzantine reign distances itself from its former Roman roots the coins
themselves continue to appear familiar for several centuries after to any student or collector of Roman coins.
570
Arcadius was given the title of Augustus when only six years of
age. After his father Theodosius died in 395 he and his brother
Honorius remained the only emperors, Arcadius being the emperor
in the eastern half. It seems he spent his whole life ineffectually
trying to rid himself of one regent after another who wielded the
Augustus 383-408
true power. Even his wife Eudoxia has more on record for being
politically active and influential than he and, as a result, little of
what he personally desired came through amid all the background noise. He died in his early 30's of unknown
causes.
Arcadius
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Diademed (pearls), draped and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and shield; Hand of God above
Helmeted, diademed (pearls), cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield
Helmeted, diademed (rosettes), cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
DN ARCADI AVG
DN ARCADIVS PF AVG
DN ARCADIVS PF AVGVSTVS
DN ARCDIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
CONCORDIA AVG
CONCORDIA AVGG
CONCORDIA AVGGG
CONCORDIA AVGGGG
GLORIA REIPVBLICE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
NOVA SPES REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SPES REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VIRTVS AVGGG
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VIRTVS EXERCITVM
VIRTVS EXERCITVS
VIRTVS ROMANORVM
VOTA PLVRIA
VRBS ROMA
VRBS ROMA FELIX
No legend
During the time Arcadius had coins minted in his name the Roman empires
money making machinery began scaling back operations. In the span of
twenty years six mints had closed their doors for good and the coins
themselves were manufactured ever more shoddily.
While coins in silver and gold still deserve some level of care in their
crafting, the bronzes, the peoples coins so to speak, suffer the most. Sizes
shrink rapidly, the strikings are poor and off-center and the very chemical
makeup of the bronze has been compromised by the significant addition of
lead and tin which made the coin more vulnerable to wear, warping and
corrosion.
But there are still plenty of Arcadius coins available. For gold a Solidus will
run about $500 for a common type. Silver is mostly represented by the
Siliqua which is also fairly common but tough to find in mint condition. A
good one will cost between $100-$200. And there are many, many bronzes
available from early in his reign which can often be bought for just a dollar
or two a piece.
A portrait type first introduced by Constantius II is reawakened in a big way
by both Arcadius and Honorius. The image of the facing bust holding his
spear and shield must have so flattered these and following emperors that it
remains in continuous use all the way into the eighth century. In fact, it is
even used on the earliest coins of Theodosius II who was still a baby!
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
Arcadius advancing right, dragging captive and holding labarum

Arcadius and Honorius seated, facing, together holding shield reading VOT / XV / MVLT / XX; in between them cross above and palm below.
Arcadius and Theodosius seated, facing; in between them Victory above and palm below.
Arcadius riding horse right, raising hand
Arcadius riding oncoming chariot with six horses, raising hand and holding globe
Arcadius standing left on galley, stepping on captive, holding phoenix on globe and labarum; Victory seated to right, steering galley.
Arcadius standing left, holding spear and resting hand on shield, being crowned by Victory to right, holding palm.
Arcadius standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe
Arcadius standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe
Arcadius standing, facing, holding labarum and globe
Arcadius standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; seated captive to left.
Arcadius standing, facing, holding labarum and globe; seated captive to right.
Arcadius standing, facing, holding labarum and resting hand on shield; seated captive to left.
Arcadius standing, facing, holding labarum and Victory on globe; shield to right
Arcadius standing, facing, holding Victory on globe and labarum
Arcadius standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe.
Arcadius, Honorius and Theodosius II standing, facing, each holding spear and the two outer emperors also resting hand on shield
City gate with (2) turrets
City gate with (2) turrets, Christogram above
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and globe.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and Victory on globe.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / V / MVL / X
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / V / MVL T/ X
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading VOT / X / MVL / XV
Cross
571
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, together holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX.
Roma standing, facing, holding trophy and Victory on globe.
Victories (2), facing each other, holding wreath.
Victory advancing forward, holding wreath and cross on globe
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and cross on globe
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XV; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VOT / X / MVLT / XX; Genius to lower right also holding shield.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XX / XXX
Wreath, VOT / V within.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Arelate
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Heraclea
Lugdunum
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
Ravenna
Roma
AU Solidus
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

B1, O2, R13, T09, M14 Exe: S/M/COMOB
B5, O2, R03, T21, M09 Exe: */COMOB
13)
14)
15)
16)
Siscia
Sirmium
Thessalonica
Treveri
Reference(s)
RIC 46f (IX, Constantinopolis)

RIC 1 (X, Arcadius)
RIC 7 (X, Arcadius)
RIC 39 (IX, Mediolanum)
AU Tremissis
10)
11)
12)

B1, O2, R14, T32, M05 Exe: */COMOB

AR Siliqua
13)
14)
15)
B1, O2, R20, T27, M09 Exe: MDPS

B1, O2, R24, T40, M05 Exe: CONS

RIC 43c (IX, Lugdunum)
AE2
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
B1, O2, R06, T10, M02 Exe: ANT`

B1, O2, R06, T10, M07 Exe: */SMH`
B1, O2, R17, T08, M02 Exe: ANT`
B1, O2, R17, T08, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O3, R17, T08, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B1, O3, R17, T08, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B2, O2, R06, T13, M05 Exe: CON`
B2, O2, R06, T13, M05 Exe: CON`*
B2, O2, R06, T13, M06 Exe: SMK`
B2, O2, R06, T13, M07 Exe: T /SMH`

AE3
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
B1, O2, R06, T01, M13 Exe: `SISC

B1, O2, R06, T01, M15 Exe: TES
B1, O2, R06, T17, M02 Exe: AN`
B1, O2, R06, T17, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O2, R16, T06, M15 Exe: `/TES
B1, O2, R17, T07, M05 Exe: CONS`
B1, O2, R17, T07, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O2, R17, T07, M10 Exe: SMN`
B1, O2, R17, T08, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B1, O2, R17, T08, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O4, R23, T14, M12 Exe: OF/`/SMROM
B5, O2, R02, T21, M02 Exe: ANT`
B5, O2, R02, T21, M05 Exe: CONS`
B5, O2, R02, T21, M06 Exe: SMK`
B5, O2, R02, T21, M10 Exe: SMN`
B6, O2, R02, T21, M02 Exe: ANT`
RIC 38c (IX, Siscia)

* behind bust
* behind bust

572
AE4
Reference(s)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
57)
58)
59)
60)

B1, O2, R01, T25, M05 Exe: CONS

B1, O2, R03, T25, M06 Exe: SMK`
B1, O2, R03, T25, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O2, R05, T18, M15 Exe: `/TES
B1, O2, R05, T18, M15 Exe: TES
B1, O2, R08, T31, M02 Exe: /ANT`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M02 Exe: /ANT`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M03 Exe: /AQ`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M05 Exe: /CONS`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M05 Exe: CONS`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M06 Exe: /SMK`
B1, O2, R08, T31, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O2, R13, T33, M13 Exe: `SIS
B1, O2, R24, T39, M05 Exe: CON`
B1, O2, R24, T39, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O2, R24, T39, M07 Exe: SMH`
B1, O2, R24, T39, M10 Exe: SMN`
B1, O2, R24, T39, M13 Exe: `SIS
B1, O2, R24, T40, M02 Exe: ANT`

RIC 39d (IX, Siscia)
RIC 36 (IX, Siscia)
RIC 65c (IX, Antioch), L 2735
573
Arcadius Busts
Arcadius Types
574
Wife The wife of Arcadius, Eudoxia had no desire to
remain in the political background that was expected of
an empress. Instead, she thoroughly dominated not only
the will of Arcadius (who was, incidentally, content to
relax well out of the limelight) but also play an active role
b.380 d.404
in the political issues of the day and the religious ones
as well. In this light she was resented by many who saw
her self-acquired role unwelcome and was denounced as arrogant and materialistic. Those who had the nerve to
condemn her could always count on swift retribution on her orders and this only served to further alienate those
who weren't on her "good side". Honorius himself was said to complain to his brother Arcadius about the situation
but the eastern emperor apparently never took any steps to suppress his wife's activities.
Eudoxia
Despite the negative view of her that has survived it seems apparent that she took advantage of her imperial
position to live life to its fullest as she saw fit without regard for keeping appearances.
She died at the age of only 21 due to complications following childbirth.
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverses:
1)
2)
AEL EVDIXIA AVG

AEL EVDOXIA AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
GLORIA ROMANORVM
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VIRTVS EXERCITI
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Arcadius standing left, holding spear and resting hand on shield;

being crowned by Victory, holding palm.
Eudoxia seated, facing
Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho design
Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho design on column
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Nicomedia
AU Solidus
1)
Appearing every now and then among uncleaned

Roman coins, Eudoxia ranks about fourth most
th
th
common empresses among the 4 - and 5 -century
coins. This would be behind Helena, Fausta, Galeria
Valeria and, perhaps, Aelia Flaccilla none of whom
had very extensive coin runs despite being in
otherwise very prolific minting periods.
It is often possible to identify her bronzes even when
the obverse details have been obliterated or worn
smooth because the reverses are unique to her during
this period.
The silver and gold coins will be much rarer and
valuable. The by now venerable Tremissis will be the
most often found denomination. Relative to the entire
output of Solidi for these years, these small coins
featured empresses much more frequently.
One such Tremissis will still cost a few hundred
dollars with $1,000 not being uncommon. Being rather
thin and flimsy they tend to have slight bends and
scratches. Of course, the flawless coin will fetch the
highest prices at auction.
An entry-level bronze need only cost around $20.
Reference(s)
AU Tremissis
2)
3)
B1, O2, R4, T6, M3 Exe: CON

B1, O2, R4, T6, M3 Exe: CONOB*
AR Miliarense
4)
B1, O2, R4, T6, M3 Exe: CONS
AE3
5)
B2, O2, R1, T2, M1 Exe: /ALE`
575
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
B2, O2, R1, T2, M2 Exe: /ANT`

B2, O2, R1, T2, M3 Exe: /CONS`
B2, O2, R1, T2, M4 Exe: /SMK`
B2, O2, R2, T4, M2 Exe: ANT`
B2, O2, R2, T4, M4 Exe: SMK`
B2, O2, R2, T4, M5 Exe: SMN`

Eudoxia Busts
Eudoxia Types
A fervent Christian, the daughter of Arcadius spent the

greater portion of her life working for the early Christian
church and using her imperial title to this end. When
Arcadius died prematurely in 408 she was left in de facto
charge over the empire as her brother, Theodosius II
b.399 d.453
was still a minor. At the time he married, however,
Eudocia, demanded that she withdraw from her high-profile public role. While still keeping her title and retinue,
she spent the next several decades in Alexandria continuing her work in the church. She returned to
Constantinople upon the death of Theodosius at which time she presided over the succession of Marcian to whom
she agreed to marry symbolically in an act to legitimize his accession.
Pulcheria
Busts:
1)
2)

Diademed, draped bust right, being crowned by Hand of
God
Obverse:
1)
AEL PVLCHERIA AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
CONCORDIA AVG
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
CONCORDIA AVG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Constantinopolis seated left, holding cross on globe and

scepter; shield to side.
Pulcheria seated, facing, crossing arms over chest.
Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho design.
Curiously, in the case of a few emperors and empresses, their

precious metal coinage is more common than bronzes.
Considering that at one point the official tariff of a single Solidus
was an extraordinary 7,200 AE4s (or more properly, Nummi) one
might be forgiven for thinking that this would mean they would be
available literally thousands of times more so.
No chance. In the case of Pulcheria there are a few bronze coins
attributed to her but they are downright rare and seldom offered for
sale. Taking into account the fact that her husband reigned for
nearly half a century and then survived him and went on to
become Marcians wife as well (both of whom struck truly
prodigious amounts of these small bronzes) the only explanation is
that they must have been rare in her day as well. Most Pulcherias
therefore will be of the usual gold and silver denominations without
much variety in terms of reverse types or legends.
Prices start at about an even $1,000 for your average Tremissis
and about twice that for a Solidus. The good news is that theyre
rather plentiful if you can afford them.
576
5)
6)
7)

Mints:
1)
2)
Constantinopolis
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)

RIC 295 (X, Theodosius II0
B2, O1, R2, T3 Exe: CONOB

B2, O1, R6, T1 Exe: */COMOB
AU Semissis
5)
B1, O1, R7, T6 Exe: CONOB*
AU Tremissis
6)
AR Miliarense
7)
B1, O1, R7, T6 Exe: CON*
AR Siliqua
8)
B1, O1, R7, T7 Exe: CONS*
AE3
9)
B1, O1, R1, T2 Exe: CONS
Pulcheria Busts
Pulcheria Types
577
Staying at the post of Roman emperor for a remarkable 48 years,
equivalent to a dozen U.S. presidential terms, Theodosius II set
remarkably few other records in all this time. He was the last
emperor to rule both east and west halves, albeit briefly, after the
death of Honorius and before the puppet emperor Johannes came
Augustus 402-450
onto the scene. As for his own achievements, he wasn't much
more than a figurehead ensconced in his palace. His sister
Pulcheria took the active role in steering the empire. He died a few days after a hunting accident.
Theodosius II
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Diademed bust left, wearing consular robes, holding

mappa and scepter with crossed tip
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding
spear and shield.
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust right, holding
shield and spear
Obverses:
1)
2)
DN TEODOSIVS PF AVG
DN THEODOSIVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
ADVENTVSS DN AVG
CONCORDIA AGV
CONCORDIA AVG
CONCORDIA AVGG
CONCORDIA AVGGG
FELICITER NVBTIIS
GLOR ORVIS TERRAR
GLORIA REIPVBLICAE
GLORIA ROMANORVM
IMP XXXXIIII COS XVIII
SALVS ORIENTIS FELICITAS OCCIDENTIS
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVBLICE
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VIRT EXERC ROM
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
VRBS ROMA
VRTVS ROMANORVM
No legend
Theodosius II is one of the less challenging to find emperors of the

fifth century. As mentioned under the heading for Arcadius, as the
economy of the empire began crumbling there was little incentive
to create money for a dysfunctional marketplace and meager
resources to do so in any case. And the average citizen who
bought and sold goods used not precious coinage by now but, if
they used coins at all, the small near-worthless coppers the
government made which today we classify as AE4s
Almost all of these coins from now until halfway into the reign of
Anastasius will measure somewhere between 4-12mm in diameter.
They are almost never found with full legends nor full anything for
that matter. For this reason most, sadly, are unattributable as found
when recovered or even after careful restoration. The easiest ones
to ID will be those that make use of monograms unique to each
emperor (or empress).
Even in a poor state these tiny coins are prized by collectors today
as long as they can be attributed. Theodosius II is the first emperor
who finally cuts off production of the larger AE3s in favor of the
AE4. With very few exceptions this will be the case for the
remainder of the century. While not unique to his reign, his AE4s
will often feature a simple Christian cross within a wreath as the
reverse design. Depending solely on condition, one of these can
cost anywhere from $5 to over $100.
Many collectors will find that their first ancient Roman gold coin
purchase will be of Theodosius II or one of his contemporaries.
These are so widely available that they almost come close to
becoming a commodity. In todays market a near-mint state
Solidus of this reign should cost somewhere between $350 and
$600 and are actively traded on eBay as well as the inventories of
most major dealers.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
Constantinopolis seated left, stepping on galley prow, holding cross on globe and scepter.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and shield reading X / VOT / XX
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and Victory on globe.
Cross
Monogram
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding a Victory on globe and scepter.
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding a scepter and together shield reading VOT / XV / MVL / XX
Roma seated left, holding Victory on globe and cross.
Theodosius II advancing right, dragging captive and holding trophy
Theodosius II and Honorius standing, facing, each holding a spear and resting hand on shield between them
Theodosius II and Valentinian III seated, facing, each holding a mappa and cross; star above
Theodosius II and Valentinian III standing, facing, each holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Theodosius II and Valentinian III standing, facing, each holding spear and together holding a globe.
Theodosius II and Valentinian III standing, facing, each holding spear and together holding cross
Theodosius II and Valentinian III standing, facing, holding mappa and cross.
Theodosius II riding horse left, raising hand.
Theodosius II seated facing on left, holding mappa and cross next to Valentinian III standing to right, holding mappa and cross; star above
Theodosius II seated, facing, holding mappa and cross
Theodosius II standing, facing, holding labarum and Christogram on globe.
Theodosius II standing, facing, holding labarum and cross on globe
Theodosius II standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
578
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
Theodosius II standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe

Theodosius II, Honorius and Arcadius standing, facing, each holding a spear and resting arm on shield
Trophy
Valentinian III and Licinia Eudoxia seated, facing, holding hands.
Victory advancing forward, holding a wreath in each hand.
Victory advancing left, holding trophy and dragging captive
Victory seated right, holding shield reading X / XXV on lap
Victory seated right, holding shield reading X / XXX on lap
Victory seated right, holding shield reading X / XXXV on lap
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XV / XXX on lap
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XX / XXX on lap
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XXX / XXXX on lap
Victory standing right, stepping on captive, holding standard and Victory on globe.
Wreath, VOT / MVLT / XXXX within
Wreath, VOT / XXX within
Wreath, VOT / XXXV / MVLT / XXXX within
Wreath, VT / XXX / V within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Alexandria
Antioch
Aquileia
Constantinopolis
5)
6)
7)
8)
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
AU Medallion
1)
B3, O2, R01, T18, M04 Exe: */CONOB
9)
10)
11)
Ravenna
Roma
Thessalonica
Reference(s)
1- Solidi weight
AU Solidus
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
B4, O2, R04, T04, M04 Exe: */CONOB

B4, O2, R07, T22, M04 Exe: */CONOB
B4, O2, R07, T22, M11 Exe: */TESOB
B4, O2, R07, T22, M11 Exe: */TESOB
B4, O2, R10, T01, M04 Exe: */COMOB
B4, O2, R10, T01, M04 Exe: */CONOB
B4, O2, R20, T11, M04 Exe: */CONOB
B4, O2, R20, T11, M04 Exe: */CONOB
B4, O2, R20, T11, M11 Exe: */TESOB
B4, O2, R22, T01, M04 Exe: */CONOB
B4, O2, R22, T01, M11 Exe: */TESOB
B5, O2, R08, T08, M04 Exe: */CONOB



AU Semissis
17)
18)
B3, O2, R17, T35, M04 Exe: *//CONOB

B3, O2, R17, T37, M04 Exe: *//CONOB

AU Tremissis
19)
20)
B3, O2, R18, T29, M04 Exe: */CONOB

B3, O2, R25, T26, M04 Exe: */*/CONOB

AR Miliarense
21)
22)
23)
B2, O2, R09, T24, M04 Exe: */CON

B3, O2, R09, T23, M04 Exe: */COM
B3, O2, R09, T23, M04 Exe: */CON

AR Siliqua
24)
25)
B3, O2, R25, T42, M04 Exe: CONS*

B3, O2, R25, T45, M04 Exe: CONS*

AE2
26)
B5, O2, R02, T16, M04 Exe: CONS
579
AE3
Reference(s)
27)
28)
29)

B4, O2, R04, T04, M02 Exe: ANT`

B4, O2, R04, T04, M04 Exe: CONS`
B4, O2, R04, T04, M08 Exe: SMN`
AE4
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
B3, O2, R03, T28, M05 Exe: SMK`

B3, O2, R03, T28, M06 Exe: SMH`
B3, O2, R04, T05, M01 Exe: ALE`
B3, O2, R09, T12, M06 Exe: SMH` * behind bust
B3, O2, R09, T12, M11 Exe: TES` * behind bust
B3, O2, R09, T25, M01 Exe: ALE` * behind bust
B3, O2, R25, T06, M04
B3, O2, R25, T41, M04 Exe: CONS
B3, O2, R25, T41, M05 Exe: SMK`
B3, O2, R25, T30, M10 Exe: `/RM

RIC 1915 (X, Johannes), L 831
580
Theodosius II Busts
Theodosius II Types
Eudocia
b.393 d.460
Wife of Theodosius II. Remembered for an active role in

the early Christian church.
581
Busts:
1)
2)

Diademed, draped bust right; being crowned by Hand of God
Obverse:
1)
AEL EVDOCIA AVG
Of these, her Tremisses are the most plentiful and

can be bought anywhere from $500 to $1,500 and
nearly all survive in near-mint condition as far as
wear goes. However, they are often scratched or
slightly bent; one can presume damage done during
the course of informal assaying at the market square.
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Eudocia, Eudoxia what a difference a letter can

make! While Eudoxia may be found routinely among
the bronzes those of Eudocia are rarer than her own
gold coins which are not exactly common to begin
with.
CONCORDIA AVG
SALVSREIPVBLICAE
VOT XX MVLT XXX
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Constantinopolis seated left, holding cross on globe and scepter

Eudocia seated, facing, crossing arms across chest.
Victory standing left, holding cross; star above
Mint:
1)
Constantinopolis
AU Medallion
1)
B1, O1, R3, T2 Exe: */CONOB
Reference(s)
Two Solidi weight
AU Solidus
2)
3)


AU Tremissis
4)
AR Siliqua
5)
AE3
6)
B1, O1, R1, T1 Exe: CONS
Eudocia Busts
Eudocia Types
582
Marcian succeeded Theodosius II upon the emperor's
accidental death. It appears a commander by the name of
Arbadur was key in securing the post for Marcian and
convinced Pulcheria, Theodosius's widow, to not only confirm
the nomination but also become his nominal wife, a purely
Augustus 450-457
political relationship that was only to strengthen the legitimacy
of Marcian's claim to the throne. They would lead separate
lives from then on. Marcian proved a capable manager for the eastern seat of the empire and died without incident
in 457 of old age.
Marcian
Busts:
1)
2)
3)

Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding shield and spear.
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
DN MARCIANO PF A
DN MARCIANO PF AV
DN MARCIANVS P AV
DN MARCIANVS PERP AVG
DN MARCIANVS PF
DN MARCIANVS PF AV
DN MARCIANVS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
ADVENTVS DN AVG
FELICITER NVBTIIS
GLOR ORVIS TERRAR
GLORIA ROMANORVM
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
No legend
Marcian is one of the more commonly found

Eastern Roman emperors. He ranks fourth behind
Anastasius, Theodosius II and Leo I.
There are basically just two types of coins that will
turn up often in the marketplace; the gold Solidus
and the teeny AE4s often called Nummi. The
former are a little scarcer than those of the other
three emperors named above but not much more
expensive and all of them follow the same rather
banal themes and portraiture styles.
The AE4s are almost always identified thanks to
the large monograms on the reverses which are
unique to each emperor. The legends almost
always are unreadable except for maybe two or
three letters. Luckily, these coinis are often found
for less than $100 but, be warned, they are almost
never very well preserved nor attractive items.
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Marcian and Pulcheria seated, facing, holdings hands; Christ above and between them.
Marcian riding horse left, raising hand
Marcian standing, facing, holding labarum and cross on globe.
Marcian standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield
Marcian standing, facing, stepping on snake, holding cross and Victory on globe
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XV / XXX on lap.
Wreath, monogram I within
Wreath, monogram II within
Wreath, monogram III within
Wreath, SAL / REI / PVI within
Wreath, VOT / MVLT / XXXX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Antioch
Cyzicus
Heraclea
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
Ravenna
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC 2301 (X, Western)

RIC 510 (X, Eastern)
B2, O7, R5, T06 Exe: R/V/CONOB

AU Tremissis
3)
583
AR Miliarense
Reference(s)
4)
B1, O7, R4, T05 Exe: */CON
AR Siliqua
5)
AE4
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
B1, O2, R8, T12 Exe: CHES

B1, O6, R8, T11 Exe: NIC
B1, O7, R8, T11 Exe: CON
B1, O7, R8, T11 Exe: CON
B1, O7, R8, T13 Exe: SMK`
* Above monogram
Above monogram
Above monogram
RIC 536 (X, Eastern), L 1880

Marcian Busts
Marcian Types
584
Leo was a Thracian soldier who gained enough clout fighting for
the armies of Marcian that upon his death he was able to secure
the throne. Leo mounted only one major military campaign and it
was against the Vandals in Northern Africa. The naval invasion
fleet was decimated by the forces of Gaiseric and the unfavorable
Augustus 457-474
conclusion of this battle marks the final Roman attempt to recover
this key region. The rest of Leo's career was taken up handling the
blessing and vetoing of the many puppet emperors during the last years of the West as well as handling various
other foreign and domestic matters. Much of Leo's reign was weakened if not outright dominated by several
military leaders. He died in 474 of advanced age and was succeeded by his grandson Leo II.
Leo I
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Diademed, bust left, wearing consular robes, holding
mappa and cross
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear
over shoulder and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
DN LEO
DN LEO PE AVG
DN LEO PER AVG
DN LEO PERPET
DN LEO PERPET AG
DN LEO PERPET AV
DN LEO PERPET AVG
DN LEO PERPETV AVG
DN LEO PERPETVVS AVG
DN LEO PF AVG
DN LEO PF AVGO
DN LEO PRPET AG
DN LEO PRTE AVG
DN LEON PERP AVG
DN LEON VG
DN LEONIS PF R AVG
DN LEONIS PP A AVG
DN LEONIS PP AVG
DN LEONS PF AVG
DN LEOS PF AVG
DN EONS PF AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
GLORIA ROMANORVM
GLORORVS TERRRAL
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIRVBLICAE C
SALVS RPVBLICA
SALVS RPVRLCA
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VICTORIA ROMANORVM
VIRTVS AVGVSTI
VIRTVS EXERCITI
VOT XXX MVLT XXXX
No legend
With the exception of some pretty rare coins that fall into the
AE3 and AE2 class of bronzes, Leo sees nothing wrong with
continuing half a century of numismatic ennui and recycles
the same portraits and the same old reverses of his political
ancestors that would go on for another half century or more
before finally running their courses.
The system is pretty straightforward. On the Solidus the
portrait will be the emperors facing bust dressed in the
combat gear of the day along with his trusty diadem on the
helmet. The smaller gold denominations along with the silver
and bronzes will feature the more traditional profile bust.
Silver has by now long disappeared except on rare
occasions. These will be invariably more expensive than the
fairly common Solidi which usually go for around $500 a
piece. A high-grade bronze will also fetch top dollar,
especially if its one of those rare AE3s or AE2s mentioned
above. And the cheapest coins will be the low-grade but
fairly common AE4s featuring one of the several different
monograms designed for him. These can sometimes be
found among uncleaned coins or by sale at around $20-$40
each.
Speaking of the monogram, these interesting designs are
born from the need to identify the ruler at a glance since the
small size of the coins they are struck on prevent easy
identification. Their aim is to compress the rulers name into
a single symbol which includes all the letters in his name. Or
at least try to. For Leo the celator obviously had a much less
challenging task than, say, Basiliscus!
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
Leo I and Leo II seated, facing, with cross in between; star above each of them.
Leo I seated, facing, holding mappa and cross
Leo I standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe
Leo I standing, facing, holding cross and resting hand on kneeling captive.
Leo I standing, facing, holding cross on globe and labarum
Leo I standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Leo I standing, facing, raising hand and holding globe.
Leo I standing, facing, stepping on snake, holding cross and Victory on globe
Monogram I
Monogram II
Roma and Constantinopolis seated, facing, each holding Victory on globe and scepter; cross between them.
Verina standing, facing, holding cross on globe and scepter; b E across fields
585
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XVXXX

Victory seated right, holding shield reading XXV
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XXXX
Wreath, lion seated left within.
Wreath, lion seated left within; cross atop.
Wreath, lion standing left within; star above.
Wreath, lion standing right within; star above.
Wreath, SAL / REI / PVI within (letters usually very garbled)
Wreath, VOT / XXXV / MVLT / XXXX within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Alexandria
Antioch
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Heraclea
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
Ravenna
Roma
Thessalonica
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
RIC X 620
RIC X 638
RIC X 605
RIC X 618
B4, O07, R08, T02, M10 Exe: */THSOB

B5, O07, R04, T01, M03 Exe: CONOB
B5, O07, R08, T18, M03 Exe: */CONOB Officina at end of reverse legend
B5, O07, R08, T18, M10 Exe: */*/TESOB
AU Tremissis
5)
B2, O07, R09, T13, M03 Exe: */CONOB
RIC X 611
AR Miliarense
6)
7)
B1, O07, R01, T07, M03 Exe: */CON

B2, O07, R01, T07, M03 Exe: */CON
RIC X 644
RIC X 641
AR Siliqua
8)
B2, O07, R14, T25, M03 Exe: CONS*
RIC X 648
AR Siliqua
9)
B2, O06, R14, T25, M03 Exe: CONS*
RIC X 650
AE3
10)
11)
B2, O07, R05, T03, M03 Exe: CON

B2, O07, R06, T03, M03 Exe: CON
RIC X 660
RIC X 657
AE4
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
B2, O01, R14, T04, M03 Exe: */CN

B2, O01, R14, T04, M03
B2, O01, R14, T10, M03 Exe: KOC
B2, O01, R14, T12, M03
B2, O01, R14, T21, M03 Exe: CON
B2, O04, R14, T09, M03
B2, O04, R14, T12, M03
B2, O10, R14, T09, M03
B2, O10, R14, T21, M03 Exe: CON
B2, O21, R14, T09, M03
RIC X 703, L 2268

RIC X 704, L 2269
RIC X 720, L 2270
RIC X 715, L 2272
RIC X 676
RIC X 680
RIC X 718, L 2274
RIC X 684
RIC X 674, L 2260
RIC X 686, L 2263
586
Leo I Busts
Leo I Types
587
Wife of Leo I, sister of Basiliscus and mother of Ariadne.
Verina would play a key role in the ousting of Zeno and
then her brother Basiliscus. Probably to cover up a
scandalous affair and political advantage she turned
against Basiliscus to support her former enemy Zeno
? - d.488?
who had been in exile. Zeno mistrusted her even though
her aid was crucial in his reinstatement and had her
exiled. Because she probably felt betrayed she once
again turned against him and supported the failed coup of Leontius. She apparently lost her life during the
usurper's siege.
Verina
Busts:
1)
2)

Obverse:
1)
As is typical for the period, a few bronzes were

struck in her name. What is unusual is that these
are rather large in comparison to the tiny coins
being made in copper. But, really, this is all
academic since they for the most part do not
circulate in the market.
AEL VERINA AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGGG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
Save for an AE4 of Leo Is which depicts her effigy

on the reverse, Verinas coins are all ridiculously
rare and expensive.
Victory seated right, holding shield with Chi-Rho on column

The Leo AE4 mentioned above is sometimes to

be found for a few dollars each but are almost
always in a very sorry state of preservation. The
best bet to find a real coin of Verina will be a
Tremissis for two or three thousand dollars. That
is, if a dealer can locate one at all.
Mint:
1)
Constantinopolis
AU Solidus
1)
Reference(s)
RIC 607 (X, Leo I)
AU Tremissis
2)
RIC 614 (X, Leo I)
AE3
3)
4)
B2, O1, R1, T1 Exe: CON`

B2, O1, R2, T1 Exe: CON`
Verina Busts
RIC 655 (X, Leo I), L 2253

RIC 656 (X, Leo I), L 2253
Verina Types
588
Leo II
Augustus 474
Leo II was the child grandson of Leo by the marriage of his

daughter Ariadne and his favorite general Tarasicodissa (later
Zeno). When Leo I died, Leo II was still only five or six years old
and thus a regent was necessary. To this end, just three weeks
later his own father, Zeno, assumed co-emperorship with him and
the two ruled jointly until Leo's own death later in the year of an
unidentified illness left Zeno to rule by himself.
Bust:
1)
2)

Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing
Obverse:
1)
2)
3)
DN LEO ET ZENO PP AVG

DN LEO PERPET AVG
DN LEO ZENO PP AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Leo II and Zeno seated, facing, each holding a mappa; star

and cross above
Leo II standing, facing, holding cross on globe.
Mints:
1)
2)
Constantinopolis
Roma
AU Solidus
1)
2)
3)
4)
Only a large bank account and a small miracle are needed in

order to find one of these coins. Leo II enjoyed a reign
measured in days over 1,500 years ago. Constantinople only
had time to make a handful coins during this brief period.
Because his name was the same of that of his predecessor and
the coin portraits mere effigies one could make the argument
that there is no way to be certain that the coins presently
attributed to his sole reign were beyond a doubt made for him.
Curiously, the western emperor Julius Nepos rose to power
while Leo II and his father Zeno were by then ruling jointly. For
reasons that remain unclear, Nepos struck a few of his own
coins honoring Leo II but leaving Zenos name off. While there
seems to be no political motive for the snub, back in
Constantinople the standard practice had been to have both
names on every coin issued. So at least technically, those
coins minted in Italy during this time could be considered the
only ones in the name of Leo II alone.
Unfortunately for you, those coins are hardly any less rare!
However, there are many coins of his along with his father
which are much more common and cost from a few hundred
dollars each to a couple thousand or so.
Reference(s)

B2, O2, R2, T4, M2 Exe: */COMOB
RIC X 801
RIC X 3203
RIC X 803
AU Tremissis
5)
RIC X 807
Leo II Busts
Leo II Types
589
Zeno was an Eastern emperor during the waning days of the
empire. His career was recorded through a series of endless plots
against him which failed to oust him from power entirely. Indeed,
he even served as emperor-in-exile during a revolt that briefly saw
Basiliscus rise to the throne in 475. He eventually recaptured the
Augustus 474-491
throne himself to resume a rocky relationship with the Western half
of the empire as well as frequent domestic problems of every sort.
Following the favorable resolution of the Basiliscus affair he had ample time as well to watch the final collapse of
the Western half of the empire. As he had no resources to contend with the Germanic tribesmen who were
exerting ever more control over the former empire, he could do little more than accept the inevitable outcome.
Although this made him nominally ruler of the entire Roman empire after the death of Julius Nepos in 480, in
practice he held no sway at all in any of the former Roman provinces. In the end, one of his most remarkable feats
was the very fact that he was able to survive for so long in this strife-ridden age.
Zeno
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Diademed (pearls), draped and bearded bust left, holding mappa and scepter
Helmeted, diademed, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear and shield
Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right
Laureate head right
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
DN ZENO ET LEO NOV CAES

DN ZENO ET LIEO NOV CAES
DN ZENO N PE AG
DN ZENO N PE VG
DN ZENO PEPR AVG
DN ZENO PER F AVG
DN ZENO PERP AVG
DN ZENO PERP F AV
DN ZENO PERP F AVG
DN ZENO PERPE AVG
DN ZENO PERPET AVG
DN ZENO PERT AVG
DN ZENO PF AV
IMP ZENO SEMPER AVG
INP ZEMP FELICISSIMO SEN AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
CONCORDIA P
GLORIA ROMANORO
GLORORVS TERRAR
INVICTA ROMA
SALVS REIPVBLICE
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORIVM
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VOT XX MVLT XX
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
Constantinopolis standing left, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia
Eagle perched on branch, cross above
Legend SE CN
Monogram I
Monogram II
Victory advancing left, holding labarum and dragging captive
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and trophy.
Victory seated right, holding shield reading VXX; cuirass to left
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XXXV; cuirass to left
Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath and palm.
Victory standing right, holding cross.
Wreath, SE CN within.
Wreath, SRI / REI / RVL within
Wreath, TOV/VIMV/MTI within.
Zeno continues the currency policies of his

political ancestors. He will introduce no new
denominations, designs or any sort of
alterations beyond the ZENO on the legends
where appropriate. As far as he was concerned,
if it aint broke, well, dont go breaking it.
As was the case with Leo and Marcian before
him, the Solidus is easily available today for
around $400-$600 each and Tremisses for
about half that much. As was not the case with
those two, however, bronzes have become
rarer. Or, that is, rarer to find in a state that
allows for positive identification. The one saving
grace is that Zeno, too, had a monogram for use
on his own AE4s which, thanks to their nature,
make attribution considerably easier. You might
as well forget about trying to get one that has
readable legends though. Those are truly rare in
that sort of condition and when offered for sale
will easily rival the gold coins in cost.
590
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
Wreath, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and dragging captive within. Type also features vestigial legend approximating DN LEON AVG
Wreath, VOT / VMTI / LTIS within
Zeno seated, facing, holding mappa and scepter with crossed tip.
Zeno standing right, holding cross and globe
Zeno standing right, stepping on captive, holding labarum and globe
Zeno standing, facing, holding labarum and cross on globe.
Zeno standing, facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Antioch
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Mediolanum
5)
6)
7)
8)
AU Solidus
1)
2)
Nicomedia
Ravenna
Roma
Thessalonica
Reference(s)
B3, O07, R07, T13, M2 Exe: */CONOB Officina at end of reverse legend
B3, O07, R07, T13 Exe: */COMOB
: symbol at end of reverse legend
RIC X 905
RIC X 3205
AU Semissis
3)
B2, O07, R06, T10, M2 Exe: *//CONOB
RIC X 913
AU Tremissis
4)
5)
B2, O07, R08, T06, M2 Exe: */CONOB

B2, O07, R09, T06, M2 Exe: */CONOB
RIC X 914
AR Siliqua
6)
B5, O07, R11, T18, M2 Exe: CON
RIC X 944
AR Siliqua
7)
B2, O07, R11, T01, M4 M D across fields
RIC X 3616
AE1
8)
B2, O14, R04, T09, M7 Exe: S/C/XL
Bust exe: IIII
RIC X 3667
AE3
9)
10)
11)
12)
B2, O03, R11, T20 in left field

B2, O07, R01, T24, M2
RIC X 949
RIC X 948
RIC X 947
AE4
13)
14)
15)
B2, O13, R11, T01, M4 M D across fields

B2, O13, R11, T04
B2, O13, R11, T05
RIC X 3616
RIC X 973
591
Zeno Busts
Zeno Types
592
Ariadne
b. ca.450 d.515
Wife of Zeno, then Anastasius. Ariadne was also the

daughter of Verina, Leo I's wife and to her most of all
does Anastasius owe his title of Augustus after Zeno's
death.
Bust:
1)
Diademed, draped bust right, wearing necklace and earrings
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
AEL ARIADNE AVG

AEL ARIAUNE AVG
AEL ARIAYNE AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
Ironic, isnt it, that of all the Roman empresses the

wife of two different, long-reigning emperors would
be among the very rarest to be found today?
Despite being associated with the Eastern Roman
Imperial court for over 60 years there are only a
handful of coins left of her and since none of them
are on sale, ever, they may well be considered
priceless.
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)

Victory standing right, holding cross.
Mint:
1)
Constantinopolis
AU Tremissis
Reference(s)
1)
RIC X 935
B1, O2, R3, T3
593
History remembers Basiliscus in an unfavorable light for his
biggest accomplishment seems to have been the annihilation of a
large fleet sent to deal with the Vandals of Northern Africa. The
circumstances for this disaster remain clouded under some
controversy but it seems certain that as he approached the Vandal
Augustus 475-476
capital their leader sent a boat full of gold to halt the invasion.
Basiliscus may well have sold out his countrymen and the cause
for the loot. With the bought time, and probably more than a little proactive help on the part of Basiliscus, the
Vandals were able to mount a quick counteroffensive and rout the would-be conquerors. Following an
investigation, Basiliscus managed to avoid being executed for the military blunder with the help of well-placed
connections. Instead, through luck and lack of more able leaders, the Senate ratified him as the Eastern emperor
in 475. Here his lackluster performance carried over in the form of passing law after unpopular law which seemed
to alienate everyone who could've been in a position to help him. Years before, a series of plots engineered by the
ranking elite in Constantinople forced the then-emperor Zeno to flee. Now the very same people who did this were
recalling the former emperor back in light of the gross mismanagement of Basiliscus. One by one his supporters
switched sides to Zeno. Basiliscus did what he could to appease his dwindling support net but it was a day late
and a dollar short. In 476 Zeno returned to Constantinople, captured Basiliscus and sent him and his whole family
off to an island where they were executed by starvation.
Basiliscus
Busts:
1)
2)

Helmeted, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing holding spear over shoulder and shield
Reverses:
Coins of Basiliscus are found bearing his name alone as well as with his
brother Marcus whom he briefly recognized as co-emperor. However,
none are known in the name of Marcus alone. And this is all mostly
academic since these coins are generally very rare to begin with. While
there is no such thing as a census of remaining coins for any given
emperor or type one could make an educated guess that there are
probably less than a hundred or two coins of Basiliscus (with or without
his brother) accounted for the whole world over. There are probably
many hundreds or thousands at the bottom of the Mediterranean but
until those are recovered if they ever are finding one for sale will be a
challenge. And then paying for one will give your budget a whallop.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Although a few tiny bronzes have been identified, mostly thanks to his
distinctive monogram, these are even rarer than the gold pieces and
likely to cost just as much. A few tremisses and Solidi have been seen to
cost under a thousand dollars each but more typically they go for quite a
bit more.
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
DN BASIL ET MAR P AVG

DN BASILISCI ET MARC P AVG
DN BASILISCI ET MARCI C
DN BASILISCVS PE AVG
DN BASILISCVS PERT AVG
DN BASILISCVS PF AVG
DN BASILISCVS PP AVG
DN BASILISCVS PRET AVG
No legend
GLORIA ROMANORVM
SALVS REIPVBLICAE
SALVS REIPVRLICAE
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
VRBIS ROMA
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Basiliscus and Marcus seated, facing, each holding a mappa and globe
Basiliscus standing, holding spear and resting left hand on shield.
Constantinopolis seated, facing, stepping on galley prow, holding scepter and cornucopia.
Monogram
Roma seated, facing, holding Victory on globe and spear.
Victory seated right holding shield reading XXXX
Victory standing, facing, holding wreath and cross on globe.
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Constantinopolis
Cyzicus
Mediolanum
Nicomedia
Roma
Thessalonica
594
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
2)
RIC X 1024
RIC X 1003

AU Tremissis
3)
4)

RIC X 1030
RIC X 1008
AE4
5)
B1, O1, R8, T4, M2 Exe: CVZ
RIC X 1034
Basiliscus Busts
Basiliscus Types
595
Zenonis
Wife of Basiliscus, who was starved to death along with

him after Zeno was restored to the throne.
? d.476
Bust:
1)
Obverses:
1)
2)
A ZENONIS
AEL ZENONIS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
VICTORIA AVGGG
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
Among the very rarest of rulers, this obscure empress is

represented on only a small handful of surviving coins most
of which are chewed up remnants of the tiny coppers of the
age and which can be attributed thanks only to her
distinctinctive monogram.
A Solidus or two bounce around at the rate of once or twice
every decade or two and its probably only a matter of time
before all of them find permanent homes in museums. The
AE4s come up for sale almost as infrequently but at least
theres a reasonable chance that more of them may be
found in the Balkans in the coming years.
Monogram
Mint:
1)
Constantinopolis
AU Solidus
1)
B1, O2, R1, T2 Exe: */CONOB Officina at end of reverse legend
Reference(s)
RIC X 1004
AE4
2)
B1, O1, R2, T1
RIC X 1018
596
Leontius of Isauria, not to be confused with the better known
Byzantine emperor of the same name, was one of the early
usurpers to the Eastern crown. He was raised to emperor by an
army rebelling against Zeno. The revolt he led quickly bogged
down in loyalist resistance and he was forced to retreat to Antioch
Augustus 484-488
where a siege was laid out at once. He held out in his compound in
nearby Cherris for four years before his compatriots betrayed him
to the besiegers. He was promptly executed afterwards. His authentic coins are exceedingly rare. RIC records all
of three solidi for his reign with fakes outnumbering the genuine ones many times over.
Leontius I
Bust:
1)
Helmeted, cuirassed, diademed bust facing, holding spear and shield.
Obverses:
1)
2)
DN LEONTIO PERPS AVG

DN LEOTIO PERPS AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
VICTORA AVGG
VICTORIA AVGG
VICTRA AOGG
Type:
1)
The coins of this rare usurper have apparently never

been offered for sale to the public. This means that
unless new ones are found a peek in a display case in
a museum is about as close as you get to one.
However remote the possibility of new coins turning
up for Leontius this does have a history of happening
for other emperors so at least the hope for such a
discovery would be justifiable. Slightly.
The greater danger will be discerning a real coin from
the many attempts at forgery. For this reason it would
be very wise to have a coin attributed to this or any
other rare emperor authenticated by a numismatic
expert.
Mint:
1)
Antioch
AU Solidus
Reference(s)
1)
RIC 1101
B1, O1, R2, T1 Exe: */ANTOB
597
In a larger context the Byzantine empire as such could be said
to have started when the ancient city of Byzantium was renamed
Constantinople by Constantine I and made a political axis on a par
with Rome. Numismatic historians, however, classify Anastasius
as the last Roman Emperor and the first Byzantine one. Although
Augustus 491-518
he considered himself "Roman", along with all future Byzantine
emperors, his choice in 498 to discard the then monetary system in
favor of a new, more Greek-aligned one was a lasting landmark of profound significance. Culturally, the
Byzantines were always Greek under their skin and as the influence of the Romans waned there was ever less
reason to reflect what to them was a foreign culture even at an official level. Within another hundred years most
distinctly Roman traits had been supplanted by the new zeitgeist which better served, after all, a Greek citizenry.
Anastasius I
During his reign he consolidated power in what was left of the eastern half of the empire and gave up for lost the
barbarian-infested western one. To his credit, he was a shrewd administrator and settled several favorable trade
treaties which started off the Byzantine period on sound financial footing.
Note: So little care has gone into the engraving of the legends during and after this reign that only the primary
legend forms will be catalogued. Blunders and minor variations are to be expected.
Busts:
1)
2)
3)
Diademed bust left, wearing consular robes, holding

mappa and cross
Helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding spear over
shoulder and shield
Obverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
DN ANASTASIO PP AVG
DN ANASTASIVS PERP AVG
DN ANASTASIVS PF AVG
DN ANASTASIVS PP A
DN ANASTASIVS PP AV
DN ANASTASIVS PP AVG
Reverses:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
CONCORD
GLORIA ROMANORVM
GLOR ORVS TRRA
VICTORIA AVGGG
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM
No legend
Types:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
Anastasius seated, facing, holding akakia and cross on

globe
Anastasius standing, facing, holding spear and resting
hand on shield
Circle, monogram within
Large letter E
Large letter I
Large letter K, cross to left
Large letter M, cross above
Victory advancing forward, holding wreath and cross on
globe
Victory seated right, holding shield reading XXXX
Victory standing left, holding scepter with Christogram
(Type I, see photo at section end)
Victory standing left, holding scepter with Christogram
(Type II)
Wreath, VOT / MVLT / MTI within
Mints:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Antioch
Constantinopolis
Nicomedia
Thessalonica
Although he was never any the wiser himself, Anastasius stood at

a sort of historical crossroads. Several years after becoming
emperor he decided hed had it with the currency system as it
stood and put into effect a series of reforms that forever changes
the Roman numismatic legacy.
First and most far-reaching he reintroduced the Follis which was
last seen in its full weight two hundred years before. He tariffed
this coin as worth 40 of the little old AE4s that up until then had
been the backbone of small commerce. These now get the formal
name of Nummus whence we get numismatics today. Although
very important as a keystone in currency the actual coins are now
largely phased out of production and exist mostly as multiples with
the 40-nummus Follis and 20-nummus half Follis being made in
great quantities. And this reform kicks in the Byzantine period
which will last for nearly another millennium. Legends gradually
shed their Latin characters in favor of Greek and, as elsewhere
with this culture, art begins to acquire a strong Eastern Christian
flavor.
While Anastasius tinkered with the bronze coinage he left the
time-honored Solidus and its ancillary fractions alone. The
collector should be reminded that the bronzes and precious metal
coinage existed almost in two separate dichotomies. While everyday trade at the market was facilitated by this copper small
change, bullion and barter, the gold coins (and even more rarely
now the silver ones) were used primarily to pay soldiers and
reserved for other government transactions.
For pre-reform bronze coins of Anastasius one finds the relatively
elusive tiny AE4s typical of the other eastern emperors before him
and are found usually in such poor condition that they defy
attribution. The post-reform bronzes are much easier to locate and
even though they, too, were made of cheap alloys subject to
corrosion their size is usally large enough that they remain
identifiable. These early Byzantine coins are sold from the dirtcheap eyesores to over $200 for pristine bronzes regardless of
denomination.
The gold coins, primarily the Solidus and the Tremissis, can be
purchased for around $500 and $200 respectively.
598
AU Solidus
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Reference(s)

B3, O6, R5, T12, M2 Exe: */*/CONOB

SB 4
SB 5
SB 30
SB 3
AU Semissis
6)
B2, O6, R5, T09, M2 Exe: *//CONOB
SB 6
AU Tremissis
7)
SB 8
AR Miliarense
8)
B2, O6, R3, T02, M4 Exe: */THSOB
AR Siliqua
9)
B2, O6, R7, T13, M2 Exe: CONOS*
SB 11
AE Follis (40 Nummus)

10)
11)
12)
13)
B2, O6, R7, T07, M2 Exe: `/CON * on either side of M (and above and below each *)
B2, O6, R7, T07, M2 Exe: `/CON * on either side of M
B2, O6, R7, T07, M2 Exe: `/CON * to left of M
B2, O6, R7, T07, M2 Exe: CON
SB 21
SB 16
SB 14
AE Follis (20 Nummus)

14)
B2, O6, R7, T07, M2 Exe: CON Officina to right of K
SB 14
Note: In the smaller denominations the obverse legend is almost always abbreviated in arbitrary fashion to read,
roughly, DN ANAS PP AVG. However, these legends are only very rarely readable in their entirety.
AE 5 Nummus
15)
16)
B2, O?, R7, T04, M2

B2, O?, R7, T04, M2
above and below central line of the E and officina to right

Officina to right of the E
SB 29
SB 29
AE4
17)
B2, O?, R7, T03, M2
SB 13
Anastasius I Busts
599
Anastasius I Types
600
Anonymous Coinage
During various periods of the Roman Imperial age a

relatively small series of coins were issued without either
the reigning emperors portrait nor a legend that
explicitly mentions him.
Some of these were minted during civil wars at a time when no clear successor had yet been found. At others, the
coins seem to been minted in honor of a particularly important event that transcended even the ephemeral
position of the current emperor. And yet others seem to have served a very specific role within a closed
community such as miners scrip money.
The most famous and available of these coins are those struck in commemoration of the founding of
Constantinople. As the old city of Byzantium was renamed after Constantine it assumed an importance that,
politically and culturally, would rival Rome itself. To leave no doubt as to its new status, millions of bronze coins
were made in roughly equal quantities of two main types. The first featured on the obverse personification of
Rome while the second that of Constantinopolis. Both types may be found today as among the most commonly
available of late Roman coinage and were minted in every operational mint at the time of issue; roughly the years
330-340.
AR Types:
1. Denarius
Obv: No legend - Wreath, SPQR within
Rev: SALVS GENERIS HVMANI Victory standing right on globe, holding palm and wreath
Issued during the civil war following Neros death. RIC 73b, C 421
2. Denarius
Obv: FIDES / EXERCITVVM Hands, in handshake
Rev: FIDES / PRAETORIANORVM Hands, in handshake
Also issued during the civil war of 68-69. RIC 121, BMC 65, C 363
3. Half Siliqua (Approx. 1.3g)

Obv: No legend Star
Rev: No legend - Wreath
Presumably struck shortly after the death of Helena c.326 in memoriam.
4. Half Siliqua (Approx. 1.3g)

Obv: No legend Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Roma right
Rev: No legend Large K
The obverse most likely represents the personification of Rome and, this being the case, the
coin would have been a commemorative associated with the founding of Constantinopolis.
The large K on the reverse remains somewhat of a mystery. David Vagi asserts it stands for
Constantinopolis though it was usually spelled with a C during the fourth century. C.330
5. Third of Siliqua (Approx. 1.15g)

Obv: No legend Helena diademed, draped bust right, wearing necklace
Rev: No legend Large K
Another posthumous coin of Helena, easily identifiable by her portrait despite the lack of an
affirming legend. c.330.
Vagi 3052
601
6. Third of Siliqua
Obv: No legend Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Roma right
Rev: No legend Large R
In this case the R in reverse can more easily be explained as standing for Rome.
c.330
AE Types:
7. Tessera (Approx. 4 - 7g)
Obv: No legend Couple in erotic embrace, lying down.
Rev: No legend Wreath, V within
An erotic token of extra-official provenance and uncertain value. Probably used outside
of mainstream commerce and rare within its own time.
c.14-34
8. Semis (Approx. 3 - 4g)

Obv: No legend Woman, draped bust right
Rev: METAL / AVRELIA / NIS
Throughout the empire there were many mines that contracted a large labor force along
with the slave labor pressed into duty. These coins were likely used for their limited
purchasing needs inside of their communities. c.161-180
9. Quadrans (Approx. 2.5 - 3.5g)

Obv: No legend Mars helmeted, cuirassed bust right
Rev: Cuirass
c.81-161 RIC II, 21

Obv: No legend Rhinoceros advancing left
Rev: Laurel branch, S C across fields
c.81-161 RIC II, 36

Obv: ROMA Helmeted, draped bust of Roma right
Rev: DARDANICI Dardania standing left, holding wheat ears and raising skirt.
Another issue associated with mine use. c.100-140 RIC 1016 (II, Hadrian)

Obv: No legend Pegasus seated left, wheel to left.
Rev: No legend Altar; S C across fields
Ca. 70-100
602
13. AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type I
Obv: VRBS ROMA Roma, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust left
Rev: Wreath, VOT / XX / MVLT / XXX within
See catalog at end of section
14. AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type II

Obv: CONSTANTINOPOLI Constantinopolis helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust
left, holding scepter
Rev: GLORIA EXERCITVS Two soldiers standing either side of a standard, each
holding a spear and resting hand on a shield.
15. AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type III

Obv: CONSTANTINOPOLIS Constantinopolis helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust
left, holding scepter.
Rev: No legend Victory standing left, stepping on galley prow, cradling scepter and
resting hand on shield.
16. AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type IV

Obv: VRBS ROMA Roma, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust left
Rev: GLORIA EXERCITVS Two soldiers standing either side of a standard, each
holding a spear and resting hand on a shield.
17. AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type V

Obv: ROMA Roma, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust left
Rev: No legend Wolf standing left, suckling Romulus and Remus.
18. AE1
Obv: CONSTANTINOPOLIS Constantinopolis helmeted, cuirassed bust right, holding
scepter over shoulder.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG Victory seated left, stepping on galley prow, holding branch and
cornucopia.
RIC 303 (VII, Rome)
19. AE4
Obv: GENIO ANTOCHENI - Genius of Antioch seated, facing; Orontes swimming
below.
Rev: APOLLONI SANCTO Exe: /SMA - Apollo standing left, holding patera and lyre.
Semi-autonomous issue under Maximinus II, 'The last civic coinages and the religious
policy of Maximinus Daza', J. van Heesch. c.310 (Antioch).
603
20. AE4
Obv: IOVI CONSERVATORI Jupiter seated left, holding globe and scepter.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGG Exe: /ANT Victory advancing left, holding wreath and
palm.
21. AE4
Obv: DEO SANCTO SARAPIDI - Serapis head right.
Rev: DEO SANCTO NILO - Nilus laying left, holding reed and cornucopia.
22. AE1
Obv: Isis diademed, draped bust right
Rev: VOTA P PVBLICA Isis riding chariot with two mules left, holding sistrum.
23. AE3
Obv: ISIS FARIA Isis draped bust left, holding sistrum and fruit dish
Rev: VOTA PVBLICA Isis seated, facing, holding Horus
24. AE4
Obv: DEO SERAPI Serapis draped bust left
Rev: VOTA PVBLICA Sphinx poised right
25. AE4
Obv: POP ROMANVS - Roma laureate, draped bust left, holding cornucopia
Rev: Bridge
Var. (a) mintmark CONS`, (b) mintmark CONS over `
26. AE4
Obv: POP ROMANVS - Roma laureate, draped bust left, holding cornucopia
Rev: No legend Exe: CONS` Wreath, star within.
Var. (a) mintmark above star, (b) mintmark below star
604
27. AE4
Obv: Roma - Roma helmeted, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: No legend Roma standing left, holding spear and resting hand on shield; P R
across fields
28. AE4
Obv: Constantinopolis diademed, draped bust right
Rev: No legend Pax standing left, holding branch and scepter; P R across fields
AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type I
Reference(s)
24)
25)

RIC 53 (VIII, Nicomedia), L 1151
Exe: SMH` (Heraclea)

Exe: SMN` (Nicomedia)
AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type III

26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
Exe: */AQ` (Aquileia)

Exe: *SMK` (Cyzicus)
Exe: `LG (Lugdunum)
Exe: >/`CONST (Arelate)
Exe: /`CONST (Arelate)
Exe: O/`CONST (Arelate)
Exe: /SMH` (Heraclea)
Exe: `LG (Lugdunum)
Exe: `SIS (Siscia)
Exe: CONS` (Constantinopolis)
Exe: SMH (Heraclea)
Exe: SMH (Heraclea)
Exe: SMK` (Cyzicus)
Exe: F/AQ` (Aquileia)
Exe: RB` (Roma)
Exe: RF` (Roma)
Exe: SMAL` (Alexandria)
Exe: SMAN` (Antioch)
Exe: SMK` (Cyzicus)
Exe: SMTS` (Thessalonica)
Exe: TR`* (Treveri)
Exe: TR` (Treveri)
Exe: TR` (Treveri)
RIC 129 (VII, Aquileia)

RIC 120 (VII, Cyzicus)
RIC 251 (VII, Lyons)
RIC 380 (VII, Arelate)
RIC 135 (VII, Heraclea)
RIC 241 (VII, Siscia)
RIC 86 (VII, Constantinople)
RIC 339 (VII, Rome)
RIC 332 (VII, Rome)
RIC 92 (VII, Antioch)
RIC 196 (VII, Nicomedia)
RIC 188 (VII, Thessalonica)
RIC 548 (VII, Trier)
AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type IV

56)
57)


AE1 Constantinople Commemorative Type V

58)
[No marks in exergue]
RIC 349 (VII, Rome)
AE3 Constantinople Commemorative Type V

59)
60)
61)
62)
63)
64)
65)
66)
67)
68)
69)
70)
Exe: *SMK` (Cyzicus)

Exe: ;/SMH` (Heraclea)
Exe: ;/SMN` (Nicomedia)
Exe: `SIS (Siscia)
Exe: `LG (Lugdunum)
Exe: =/`CONST (Arelate)
Exe: `SIS (Siscia)

RIC 222 (VII, Siscia), L 745
RIC 368 (VII, Arles)
RIC 240 (VII, Siscia), L 750
605
71)
72)
73)
74)
75)
76)
77)
78)
79)
80)
81)
82)
83)
84)
85)
86)
87)
88)

Exe: SMK` (Cyzicus)
Exe: F/AQ` (Aquileia)
Exe: R=` (Roma)
Exe: RF` (Roma)
Exe: SMK` (Cyzicus) Only one star above wolf
Exe: SMK` (Cyzicus)
Exe: SMTS` (Thessalonica)
Exe: TR` (Treveri)

RIC 354 (VII, Rome)
RIC 331 (VII, Rome)
RIC 63 (VII, Alexandria)
RIC 229 (VII, Thessalonica)
606
Coin Terms Used

AE Short for Aeratus, Latin for copper.
AR Short for Argentum, Latin for silver.
AU or AV Short for Aurum, Latin for gold.
Billon Any alloy made up chiefly of base metals which contains a negligible amount of silver.
Celator The craftsman in charge of creating the dies.
Die The metal stamp used to impress a design onto a metal blank. Each coin is made using two dies for obverse
and reverse. Die axis refers to the position of each die relative to each other when the coin was struck.
Exergue Generally taken to mean the bottom part of the coin. This area is usually delineated and reserved for
codes unrelated to the rest of the coins design or message. The exception are the Denarii and Aurei which
sometimes use the exergue as extra spacing to accommodate large reverse legends. In most other cases the
exergue is used for mint marks. These mintmarks often spill into the reverse fields as well. While not frequently
used, the obverse sometimes will have some exergue writing.
Fabric Refers to the texture of a coin. Two coins with identical designs can still have a very different look and
feel about them. Factors like thickness, metal type, porosity, waviness and so on make up a unique signature for
each coin that becomes associated with a particular culture and era. The study of a coins fabric is vitally important
in determining a coins authenticity.
Flan The metal blank used to make the coin. The terms use is synonymous with coin except that the former
concerns itself only with the structural integrity, shape and makeup of the metal.
Fourree A French word meaning stuffed. In numismatics it refers to an ancient counterfeit meant to deceive the
recipient of the coin, not a modern collector. The counterfeiter would use a copper core and coat it in silver before
striking it and attempting to pass it off as a good coin. The artistic merit of Roman fourrees is usually so good that
they can only be identified when the silver coating has worn through enough to reveal its interior. Given this fact it
is suspected that the counterfeiters could only have been mint officials with access to official dies and/or under
covert approval of their superiors. Gold fourrees exist as well.
Mule (or hybrid) A term used to describe a coin whose obverse is mismatched with the reverse. For example, the
Julia Domna Denarius pictured below is of a military type belonging to her husband Septimius Severus and which
would never ordinarily be featured on a coin of an empress.
607
Mules are particularly abundant during transitional periods as one emperor is replaced with another and dies used
for the former become mixed with the latter out of carelessness, haste or both.
Obverse The front or heads of a coin.
Orichalcum A naturally occurring brassy alloy mined on the Italian peninsula. It was used irregularly in the
minting of Sestertii and Dupondii during the first and second centuries. Being of a naturally golden color, coins
made of this alloy are often mistaken for gold by inexperienced collectors.
Patina Copper-based alloys and to a lesser extent silver ones exposed to the environment become corroded
over time. If this environment is not too severe only the coins surface becomes affected. This superficial layer is
called a patina and novice collectors may often attempt to remove it in the failed hopes of restoring the coin to an
as-new condition. A patina is usually desirable to maintain as it forms an effective barrier against further corrosion
and is often considered quite attractive.
Reverse The tails side of the coin.
608
Style The unique artistic attributes of a coins design. The art of engraving is remarkably consistent for a
particular age and becomes a mints signature as its various students learn to mimic one anothers renderings.
While each mints output becomes consistent with itself it is often dissimilar to other mints coins. The farther apart
any two mints are the more likely that the artistic style will be different even when the overall design of the artwork
and epigraphy is the same.
Style also evolves over time within a mint and this, too, becomes a familiar signature. In conjunction with the study
of fabric as mentioned above an understanding of style is essential in distinguishing authentic from fake.
609
Glossary
Biga A chariot pulled by two horses.
Capricornus The classical Roman Capricorn; a mythological figure combining the fore part of a goat with a fish
tail.
Carpentum A funerary chariot; the predecessor of the modern hearse.
Cornucopia A funnel-shaped container used to store fruits and vegetables, usually for decorative more so than
practical purposes. Symbolically representative of plentiful resources.
Cuirass The body armor of the soldier. The emperor, who rarely, if ever, personally fought in a war would have
intricate decorations on his own cuirass.
Labarum A vexillum with a Christian motif.
Lictor The personal bodyguard to the emperor. The lictor would be outfitted with a fasces which was analogous
in use to the billy club of todays police officers.
Lituus One of the principal ceremonial instruments used by Roman priests during the course of their religious
rites.
Modius A bushel of grain.
Parazonium The quintessentially Roman short sword which served as the main weapon of combat for
infantrymen.
Patera A sacred bowl used to pour various libations over the open fire of an altar.
Pileus A small hat given to freed slaves to symbolize their freedom. In some countries, such as France, it
continues to be used as a symbol of freedom.
Quadriga A chariot pulled by four horses.
Scepter A ceremonial rod of various lengths decorated with inlaid jewels and engravings. It is representative of
ultimate authority.
Simpulum - One of the principal ceremonial instruments used by Roman priests during the course of their religious
rites.
Standard A pole or staff adorned with large medallions, flags and other insignia denoting a particular military
units origin and affiliation. Asides from pomp, the devices proved useful in battlefield coordination.
Tessera A name sometimes used in referring to the chief attribute of Liberalitas. The device is a coin counter
designed to give an accurate number of coins quickly and repeatedly during a donative procession but its actual
name is unknown today.
Vestal A nun who devoted her life serving in the temple of Vesta. Her person and chastity was considered
absolutely inviolable.
Vexillum A flag or sign carried on a pole used as a signaling device similar to a standard.
Victimarius A priest whose function it was to ritually kill an animal meant as a sacrificial offering.
610
Rarity
Gauging the relative rarity of the various emperors, empresses and other personages for whom coins were made
since the time of Augustus and through that of Anastasius over 500 years later is a formidable task. The extant
coins of the Roman empire have come into the hands of collectors as well as private and public institutions either
because they were handed down through the generations or because they have been recovered after being lost
by their original owners (and then handed down through the generations!). Since on the one hand new coins are
being found all the time and records of how many coins were minted back then were never kept no one knows for
sure just how rare or common any single ruler, coin type or denomination is. Rarity is also not linearly progressive
in the sense that a rulers length of reign is not necessarily a good yardstick for determining overall rarity. While
theres obviously a general correlation with popular emperors with long reigns having many extant coins today that
is only loosely indicative of how many coins were actually made during that period and, more importantly, how
many have survived.
For example, if one were to add up all the remaining coins left of the top fifty rulers, whose individual reigns would
add up to decades, you would still have fewer coins than many single, short-lived emperors such as a Quintillus or
Otho. There are several reasons for this including the fact that the more ephemeral the ruler the less likely that
they had access to an active mint or the required resources to run it. Of those that did perhaps their particular
period was so troubled that little currency was being manufactured. In other cases its just a matter of bad luck in
that the particular ruler had most of his or her coins lost or melted down. And in yet others it is simply that the ruler
came and went before the mints under his temporary control had any time to ramp up production.
However, polling existing collections and using the available historical clues one can come to some conclusions
that will be reasonably accurate. For the very rare issues or even coins attributed to rare emperors or empresses a
single hoard can dramatically alter the rarity scales as understood to be at any given moment. For what its worth,
a couple of tables are presented to provide a general idea of how rare or common coins are for each of the known
emperors, empresses, caesars and others who had coins made in their names. A rarity of 1 means the coin is
very common while a 9 is of extreme rarity. For the purposes of this scale then a rarity of 5 or higher is fairly rare
and each successive number escalates this rarity exponentially.
With the exception of the late Roman Solidus and its various fractions gold coins are to be considered uniformly
rare. Few collectors of Roman imperial coins will be lucky enough to own an Aureus or any other preConstantinian gold denomination.
611
Table 1 Ruler Rarity (absolute)
Ruler
Julius Caesar, 49-44 BC
Augustus (Octavian), 27 BC 14 AD
Livia (wife of Augustus)
Agrippa (friend of Augustus)
Tiberius, 14-37
Nero Claudius Drusus (brother of Tiberius)
Antonia (wife of Nero Claudius Drusus)
Drusus (son of Tiberius)
Germanicus (son of Nero Claudius Drusus)
Agrippina (wife of Germanicus)
Nero and Drusus (sons of Germanicus)
Caligula, 37-41
Claudius, 41-54
Britannicus (son of Claudius)
Nero, 54-68
Clodius Macer (68, usurper)
Galba, 68-69
Otho, 69
Vitellius, 69
Vespasian, 69-79
Domitilla (wife of Vespasian)
Titus
Julia Titi (daughter of Titus)
Domitian
Domitia (wife of Domitian)
Nerva, 96-98
Trajan, 98-117
Plotina (wife of Trajan)
Marciana (sister of Trajan)
Matidia (daughter of Marciana)
Hadrian, 117-138
Sabina (wife of Hadrian)
Aelius, 136-138
Antoninus Pius
Faustina Sr. (wife of Antoninus Pius)
Marcus Aurelius, 161-180
Faustina Jr. (wife of Marcus Aurelius)
Lucius Verus, 161-169
Lucilla (wife of Lucius Verus)
Commodus, 177-192
Crispina (Wife of Commodus)
Pertinax, 193
Didius Julianus, 193
Manlia Scantilla (wife of Didius Julianus)
Didia Clara (daughter of Didius Julianus)
Pescennius Niger, 193-194
Septimius Severus, 193-211
Julia Domna (wife of Septimius Severus)
Caracalla, 198-217
Plautilla (wife of Caracalla)
Geta, 209-212
Macrinus, 217-218
Diadumenian, 218
Elagabalus, 218-222
AE
?
4
6
5
6
7
5
4
4
7
6
5
3
9
5
N/A
6
N/A
7
5
8
6
6
4
8
4
3
7
7
7
3
7
6
3
4
3
4
5
5
4
7
7
7
8
8
?
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
6
AR
AU
6
6
N/A
N/A
6
8
8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
8
N/A
6
9
6
6
5
4
8
5
6
3
9
3
3
8
7
8
3
5
6
3
3
3
3
4
5
3
5
7
7
8
8
7
3
3
3
4
3
5
6
3
9
8
N/A
N/A
8
8
N/A
?
?
N/A
N/A
8
8
N/A
8
N/A
8
8
8
7
9
8
9
7
9
8
7
9
9
9
7
9
9
7
9
7
8
8
8
7
9
9
9
N/A
N/A
9
7
7
7
9
7
9
9
7
612
Ruler
AE
Julia Paula (1st wife of Elagabalus)

7
Aquilia Severa (2nd wife of Elagabalus)
8
Annia Faustina (3rd wife of Elagabalus)
9
Julia Soaemias (mother of Elagabalus)
6
Julia Maesa (grandmother of Elagabalus & S. Alexander)
Severus Alexander, 222-235
5
Orbiana (wife of Severus Alexander)
8
Julia Mamaea (mother of Severus Alexander)
6
Maximinus, 235-238
4
Paulina (wife of Maximinus)
8
Maximus, 235-238
5
Gordian I, 238
7
Gordian II, 23
7
Balbinus, 238
6
Pupienus, 238
6
Gordian III, 238-244
4
Tranquillina (wife of Gordian III)
7
Philip I, 244-249
4
Otacilia Severa (wife of Philip I)
4
Philip II, 247-249
4
Pacatian (c.248, usurper)
N/A
Jotapian (c.248, usurper)
N/A
Silbannacus (c.248, usurper)
N/A
Trajan Decius, 249-251
4
Herennia Etruscilla (wife of Trajan Decius)
4
Herennius Etruscus, 251
4
Hostilian, 251
7
Trebonianus Gallus, 251-253
4
Volusian, 251-253
4
Aemilian, 253
8
Cornelia Supera (wife of Aemilian)
9
Uranius Antoninus, (c.253, usurper)
9 (prov.)
Valerian I, 253-260
4
Mariniana (wife of Valerian)
7
Valerian II, 256-258
5
Gallienus, 260-268
2
Salonina, (wife of Gallienus)
3
Saloninus, 260
5
Regalianus (c.260, usurper)
N/A
Dryantilla (wife of Regalianus)
N/A
Postumus (c.260-269, usurper)
4
Macrianus (c.260-261, usurper)
5
Quietus (c.260-261, usurper)
5
Claudius II, 268-270
2
Marius (c.269, usurper)
6
Laelianus (c.269, usurper)
7
Domitian II (c. 269, usurper)
9
Victorinus (c.269-271, usurper)
3
Quintillus, 270
4
Aurelian, 270-275
2
Vabalathus (c.271-272, usurper)
5
Zenobia (mother of Vabalathus)
9
Tetricus I (271-274, usurper)
3
Tetricus II (c.273-274, usurper)
3
Tacitus, 275-276
3
Florian, 276
4
Probus, 276-282
2
Saturninus (c.280, usurper)
N/A
AR
AU
4
5
7
4
6
3
6
4
4
7
6
7
7
6
6
2
8
3
3
3
8
9
9
3
3
4
6
3
4
6
9
9
3
7
4
N/A
N/A
5
9
9
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9
9
N/A
9
4
9
7
N/A
9
8
N/A
N/A
9
9
9
9
7
N/A
7
9
7
N/A
N/A
N/A
8
9
8
8
8
8
9
N/A
9
9
N/A
9
8
9
9
N/A
N/A
9
9
9
9
N/A
9
N/A
9
9
8
N/A
N/A
9
N/A
9
9
8
UNIQUE
613
Ruler
AE
AR
AU
Carus, 282-283
Numerian, 283-284
Carinus, 283-285
Magnia Urbica (wife of Carinus)
Nigrinian (son of Carinus)
Diocletian, 284-305
Julian (c.284, usurper)
Maximianus, 286-305, 306-308 & 310
Carausius (287-293, usurper)
Allectus (293-296, usurper)
Domitius Domitianus (c.296-297, usurper)
Constantius I, 305-306
Helena (1st wife of Constantius I)
Theodora (2nd wife of Constantius I)
Galerius, 305-311
Galeria Valeria (wife of Galerius)
Severus II, 306-307
Maximinus II, 309-313
Maxentius, 306-312
Romulus (son of Maxentius)
Constantine I, 307-337
Fausta (wife of Constantine I)
Alexander (c.308-311, usurper)
Licinius, 308-324
Constantia (wife of Licinius)
Valerius Valens, c.316
3
3
3
7
7
2
9
3
4
5
8
3
3
5
3
4
5
3
3
5
1
3
8
1
8
9
1
1
8
4
7
1
1
1
9
6
3
3
1
2
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
3
4
6
1
3
6
1
3
7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6
N/A
6
7
N/A
N/A
6
N/A
N/A
6
N/A
8
6
6
N/A
7
8
N/A
8
N/A
N/A
8
N/A
N/A
8
9
7
6
6
N/A
8
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
6
6
6
8
6
8
6
8
7
6
6
8
9
9
9
9
N/A
7
9
7
9
9
N/A
9
9
N/A
9
9
9
8
8
N/A
7
9
N/A
8
N/A
N/A
9
9
N/A
9
N/A
8
8
7
N/A
N/A
9
N/A
8
7
7
6
6
9
6
6
6
9
7
N/A
6
8
9
6
6
7
Crispus, 316-324
Licinius Jr., 317-324
Martinian, 324
Delmatius, 335-337
Hanniballianus, 335-337
Constantine II, 337-340
Constans, 337-350
Constantius II, 337-361
Nepotian, 350
Vetranio (350, usurper)
Magnentius, 350-353
Decentius, 351-353
Constantius Gallus, 351-354
Julian II, 360-363

Jovian, 363-364
Valentinian I, 364-375
Valens, 364-378
Procopius (365-366, usurper)
Gratian, 367-383
Valentinian II, 375-392
Theodosius I, 379-395
Aelia Flaccilla (wife of Theodosius I)
Magnus Maximus (383-388, usurper)
Flavius Victor (387-388, usurper)
1[3]
Arcadius, 383-407
Eudoxia (wife of Arcadius)
Eugenius, 392-394
Honorius, 394-423
Theodosius II, 402-450
Eudocia (wife of Theodosius II)
1[3]
Emperors and their relatives from the Western court are highlighted in red
614
Ruler
AE
AR
AU
Pulcheria (sister of Theodosius II)

Constantine III (407-411, usurper)
Constans II (c.409-411, usurper)
Maximus (409-411, usurper)
Priscus Attalus, 409-410 & 414-415
Jovinus (411-413, usurper)
Sebastianus (c.412-413, usurper)
Constantius III, 421
Johannes, 423-425
Valentinian III, 425-455
Licinia Eudoxia (wife of Val. III & P. Maximus)
Galla Placidia (mother of Valentinian III)
Honoria (sister of Valentinian III)
Marcian, 450-457
Petronius Maximus, 455
Avitus, 455-456
Leo I, 457-474
Verina (wife of Leo I)
Majorian, 457-461
Libius Severus, 461-465
Anthemius, 467-472
Euphemia (wife of Anthemius)
Olybrius, 472
Glycerius, 473-474
Leo II, 473-474
Zeno, 474-491
Ariadne (wife of Zeno)
Julius Nepos, 474-475
Romulus Augustus, 475-476
Basiliscus (and Marcus), 475-476
Zenonis (wife of Basiliscus)
Leontius (484-488, usurper)
Anastasius, 491-518
7
9
N/A
9
9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6
6
N/A
7
N/A
5
N/A
9
5
6
7
8
8
N/A
N/A
N/A
9
5
N/A
9
N/A
7
7
N/A
3
8
8
9
9
8
9
9
9
8
8
N/A
8
N/A
8
N/A
9
8
N/A
8
8
8
9
N/A
UNIQUE
N/A
7
N/A
9
9
UNIQUE
N/A
N/A
7
7
9
N/A
N/A
9
N/A
N/A
9
9
6
9
8
8
6
9
9
6
7
9
8
7
9
9
9
9
6
9
9
9
7
9
9
5
Summary: The full Roman Imperial set has:

A total of 135 emperors of which 34 were usurpers not counting Clodius Macer who was not hailed as
emperor nor Haniballianus whose title was King of Armenia.
A total of 10 Caesars.
A total of 51 women (40 wives, 4 mothers, 4 sisters, 2 daughters and 1 grandmother)
5 emperors sons and one friend (Agrippa)
A grand total of 204 persons (joint issues counted as one)
Note: The coins of usurper-emperors, Amandus, Aelianus and Sponsianus, are discounted by most
numismatic experts as fakes. Coins attributed to Proculus and Bonosus are highly controversial and in the
authors opinion mis-identified coins of barbarous origin. Coins minted in the name of Marcus alone, brother
of Basiliscus with whom he shared the imperial title briefly, are not known. Additionally, coins in the name of
Victoria, mother of Victorinus, were supposedly minted in copper, silver and gold but none are known to
have survived. The 18th century historian Gibbon asserts that an Egyptian merchant named Firmus rebelled
during the reign of Aurelian and minted coins in his own name but these, too, have yet to appear. Some
arguably Roman issues were excluded from this tally such as Vindex, Antinous, Odovacar, etc.
2[1]
Emperors in bold, Caesars in italics
615
Table 2 Ruler
Rarity (relative)
In ascending order,
approximately from
most common to rarest:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
Constantine I
Constantius II
Constantine II
Valens
Valentinian I
Constans
Licinius I
Probus
Aurelian
Valentinian II
Gallienus
Gratian
Constantius Gallus
Theodosius I
Arcadius
Honorius
Licinius II
Julian II
Jovian
Diocletian
Crispus
Claudius II
Maximian
Maximinus II
Anastasius
Tetricus I
Tetricus II
Salonina
Tacitus
Delmatius
Gordian III
Philip I
Postumus
Victorinus
Philip II
Galerius
Helena
Magnentius
Decentius
Vespasian
Antoninus Pius
Claudius
Augustus
Elagabalus
Severus Alexander
Septimius Severus
Caracalla
Carinus
Numerian
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
Florian
Hadrian
Trajan
Maxentius
Galeria Valeria
Trajan Decius
Faustina Sr.
Faustina Jr.
Domitian
Marcus Aurelius
Geta
Fausta
Valerian I
Magnus Maximus
Agrippa
Germanicus
Constantius I
Quintillus
Commodus
Marcian
Nerva
Julia Domna
Herennia Etruscilla
Otacilia Severa
Carus
Lucius Verus
Severina
Julia Maesa
Julia Mamaea
Nero
Aelia Flaccilla
Caligula
Julia Soaemias
Volusian
Leo I
Valerian II
Trebonianus Gallus
Drusus
Sabina
Maximinus
Tiberius
Crispina
Lucilla
Titus
Plautilla
Vabalathus
Theodora
Eudoxia
Macrinus
Antonia
Saloninus
Carausius
Severus II
Procopius
Herennius Etruscus
Clodius Albinus
Theodosius II
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
Allectus
Julia Paula
Hostilian
Aelius
Aquilia Severa
Vitellius
Zeno
Galba
Maximus (Caesar)
Quietus
Macrianus
Flavius Victor
Diadumenian
Johannes
Otho
Vetranio
Magnia Urbica
Aemilian
Eugenius
Hanniballianus
Livia
Balbinus
Pupienus
Agrippina II
Orbiana
Valentinian III
Marius
Pescennius Niger
Mariniana
Romulus
Pertinax
Agrippina I
Basiliscus
Julia Titi
Julian
Gordian I
Gordian II
Laelianus
Didius Julianus
Pulcheria
Eudocia
Verina
Domitilla
Nero Claudius Drusus
Paulina
Nigrinian
Domitius Domitianus
Constantine III
Galla Placidia
Libius Severus
Didia Clara
Manlia Scantilla
Jovinus
Anthemius
Matidia
Marciana
Majorian
616
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
Plotina
Domitia
Honoria
Julius Nepos
Pacatian
Martinian
Alexander
Cornelia Supera
Licinia Eudoxia
Romulus Augustus
Zenobia
Jotapian
Maximus
177.
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
189.
Avitus
Clodius Macer
Nepotian
Constantius III
Britannicus
Regalianus
Priscus Attalus
Uranius Antoninus
Dryantilla
Zenonis
Tranquillina
Annia Faustina
Petronius Maximus
190.
191.
192.
193.
194.
195.
196.
197.
198.
199.
200.
201.
202.
Glycerius
Ariadne
Constans II
Sebastianus
Leo II
Olybrius
Euphemia
Leontius
Valerius Valens
Constantia
Silbannacus
Domitian II
Saturninus
Table 3 Denomination Rarity

In ascending order, from most common to rarest, excluding multiples and fractions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
AE4s (fourth and fifth century)

AE3s and reduced Folles (fourth century)
AE Antoninianus
AE Folles (third and fourth century)
AE2 (fourth century)
AR Antoninianus
AE As
AR Denarius
AE Dupondius
AE Sestertius
AE1 (fourth century)
AR Siliqua
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
AE Quadrans
AU Solidus
AU Tremissis
AE Semis
AR Argenteus
AU Aureus
AR Cistophoric Tetradrachms
AU Semissis
AR Miliarense
AU Scripulum
AR Quinarius
AU Quinarius
617
Index of Rulers
Aelia Flaccilla, 532
Aelius, 107
Aemilian, 281
Agrippa, 12
Agrippina I, 15
Agrippina II, 27
Alexander, 454
Allectus, 411
Anastasius, 597
Annia Faustina, 224
Anthemius, 561
Antonia, 19
Antoninus Pius, 109
Aquilia Severa, 223
Arcadius, 570
Ariadne, 592
Augustus, 1
Aurelian, 343
Avitus, 557
Balbinus, 243
Basiliscus, 593
Britannicus, 26
Caligula, 20
Caracalla, 190
Carausius, 405
Carinus, 376
Carus, 372
Claudius I, 23
Claudius II, 334
Clodius Albinus, 169
Clodius Macer, 40
Commodus, 148
Constans I, 485
Constans II, 542
Constantia, 461
Constantine I, 437
Constantine II, 477
Constantine III, 541
Constantius Gallus, 504
Constantius I, 415
Constantius II, 490
Constantius III, 547
Cornelia Supera, 283
Crispina, 158
Crispus, 470
Decentius, 500
Delmatius, 483
Diadumenian, 211
Didia Clara, 165
Didius Julianus, 162
Diocletian, 388
Domitia, 70
Domitian, 62
Domitian II, 324
Domitilla, 55
Domitius Domitianus, 414
Drusus, 18
Dryantilla, 311
Elagabalus, 213
Eudocia, 580
Eudoxia, 574
Eugenius, 536
Euphemia, 563
Fausta, 452
Faustina I, 121
Faustina II, 136
Flavius Victor, 535
Florian, 358
Galba, 35
Galeria Valeria, 427
Galerius, 422
Galla Placidia, 548
Gallienus, 294
Germanicus, 14
Geta, 204
Glycerius, 565
Gordian I, 240
Gordian II, 242
Gordian III, 247
Gratian, 522
Hadrian, 89
Hanniballianus, 484
Helena, 451
Herennia Etruscilla, 269
Herennius Etruscus, 271
Honoria, 555
Honorius, 538
Hostilian, 273
Johannes, 549
Jotapian, 265
Jovian, 510
Jovinus, 545
Julia Domna, 185
Julia Maesa, 218
Julia Mamaea, 232
Julia Paula, 221
Julia Soaemias, 220
Julia Titi, 71
Julian I, 387
Julian II, 507
Julius Nepos, 566
Laelianus, 319
Leo I, 584
Leo II, 589
Leontius, 596
Libius Severus, 559
Licinia Eudoxia, 554
Licinius I, 456
Licinius II, 467
Livia, 11
Lucilla, 145
Lucius Verus, 141
Macrianus, 332
Macrinus, 208
Magnentius, 498
Magnia Urbica, 380
Magnus Maximus, 533
Majorian, 558
Manlia Scantilla, 164
Marcian, 582
Marciana, 87
Marcus Aurelius, 126
Mariniana, 290
Marius, 320
Martinian, 476
Matidia, 88
Maxentius, 431
Maximian, 396
Maximinus I, 236
Maximinus II, 462
Maximus, 543
Maximus (Caesar), 239
Nepotian, 502
Nero, 29
Nero Claudius Drusus, 13
Nerva, 73
Nigrinian, 382
Numerian, 383
Olybrius, 564
Orbiana, 234
Otacilia Severa, 259
Otho, 41
Pacatian, 264
Paulina, 238
Pertinax, 160
Pescennius Niger, 166
Petronius Maximus, 556
Philip I, 254
Philip II, 261
Plautilla, 202
Plotina, 86
Postumus, 312
Priscus Attalus, 544
Probus, 361
Procopius, 520
Pulcheria, 575
Pupienus, 245
Quietus, 330
Quintillus, 340
Regalianus, 310
Romulus, 436
Romulus Augustus, 568
Sabina, 104
Salonina, 305
Saloninus, 308
Saturninus, 371
Sebastianus, 546
Septimius Severus, 172
Severina, 350
Severus Alexander, 225
Severus II, 428
Silbannacus, 284
Tacitus, 354
Tetricus I, 325
Tetricus II, 328
Theodora, 421
Theodosius I, 528
Theodosius II, 577
Tiberius, 16
Titus, 56
Trajan, 76
Trajan Decius, 266
Tranquillina, 253
Trebonianus Gallus, 275
Uranius Antoninus, 285
Vabalathus, 352
Valens, 516
Valentinian I, 512
Valentinian II, 525
Valentinian III, 551
Valerian I, 286
Valerian II, 292
Valerius Valens, 475
Verina, 587
Vespasian, 46
Vetranio, 503
Victorinus, 321
Vitellius, 43
Volusian, 278
Zeno, 589
Zenobia, 351
Zenonis, 596
618
Photography Credits
Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Dirty Old Coins, LLC
Ancient Auction House
Numismatica Ars Classica
Numismatik Lanz
Tkalec AG
Gorny & Mosch
Ancient Imports
Atlantis, Ltd.
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
Leu Numismatik
Mnzen und Medaillen
BeastCoins
John C. Lavender
Trustees of the British Museum
http://www.cngcoins.com
http://www.dirtyoldcoins.com
http://www.ancientauctionhouse.com
http://www.arsclassicacoins.com
http://www.numislanz.de
http://www.coinstkalec.ch
http://www.gmcoinart.de
http://www.vcoins.com/ancientimports
http://www.atlantis-ltd.net
http://www.harlanjberk.com
http://www.leu-numismatik.com
http://www.muenzenundmedaillendeutschland.de
http://www.beastcoins.com
http://www.vcoins.com/jclavender
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Additional Web Resources

ERIC Homepage
Research
Research
Research
Research
Biographical
Educational
Educational
Major Collections/British Museum
Major Collections/Vienna
Major Collections/Smithsonian
Major Collections/Ashmolean
Ancient Coins Magazine
http://www.dirtyoldbooks.com
http://www.dirtyoldcoins.com
http://www.wildwinds.com
http://www.coinarchives.com/a
http://www.beastcoins.com
http://www.roman-emperors.org
http://dougsmith.ancients.info
http://www.numismatics.org/publications/romangeneral
http://www.british-museum.ac.uk/cm/cmhome.html
http://www.khm.at/homeE3.html
http://americanhistory.si.edu/csr/cadnnc.htm
http://www.ashmol.ox.ac.uk/ash/departments/coin-room
http://www.celator.com/cws/index.html
Errata and ancillary notes will be published electronically at http://www.dirtyoldbooks.com
619
Notes
620
Notes
621
Notes
622
Notes
623
Notes

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498

Magnentius was one of the generals under the command of

Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right

DN MAG MAGNENTIVS PF AVG

For the average collector coins of Magnentius will

Aequitas standing left, holding scale and cornucopia

Magnentius riding horse right, spearing two kneeling barbarians.

B1, O9, R08, T05, M02 Exe: SMAQ

RIC 122 (VIII, Aquileia)

B1, O5, R18, T31, M7 Exe: TR

RIC 276 (VIII, Trier)

B1, O7, R23, T11, M7 Exe: TR

RIC 257 (VIII, Aquileia)

B1, O5, R04, T28, M2 Exe: AQ

RIC 146 (VIII, Aquileia)

B1, O5, R11, T02, M1 Exe: AMB

RIC 122 (VIII, Aquileia)

B1, O5, R11, T02, M3 Exe: S`AR

RIC 198 (VIII, Arles)

B1, O5, R07, T06, M2 Exe: B/*/AQ`

RIC 160 (VIII, Aquileia), L 906

Brother of Magnentius, the ill-fated usurper who almost

Bare headed, cuirassed bust right

DECENTIVS FOR CAES

AEQVITAS AVG NOSTRI

A bit harder to find than the coins of Magnentius but

VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAE

Aequitas standing left, holding scale and cornucopia.

RIC 294 (VIII, Trier), C 31

B2, O3, R13, T15, M7 Exe: TR

B1, O4, R08, T06, M4 Exe: P`LG

RIC 159 (VIII, Lyons), L 243

B1, O4, R16, T11, M4 Exe: SP/R`LG

RIC 137 (VIII, Lyons), L 228

On hearing of the murder of Constans and the usurpation of

Well, heres one emperor likely to never grace

Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust right

DN IVL NEPOTIANVS PF AVG

Nevertheless, if shelling out ten grand or so on a

Nepotian riding hosre right, spearing enemy; star above

RIC VIII 200, L 643

B1, O3, R1, T1 Exe: R`

B2, O2, R2, T2 Exe: R`

RIC VIII 203, L 644

right, holding spear and shield

Vetranio standing left, holding labarum and spear.

B3, O1, R5, T02, M1 Exe: SIS

B2, O1, R6, T08, M1 Exe: /SIS

RIC 262 (VIII, Siscia)

B2, O1, R6, T09, M1 Exe: SIS

RIC 267 (VIII, Siscia)

B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*

B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*

RIC 281 (VIII, Siscia), L 1168

B1, O1, R1, T04, M1 Exe: A/`SIS*

A behind bust, * in front

RIC 290 (VIII, Siscia), L 1176

Gallus was one of the few who escaped the family

Bare head right

Like most of the rest of the members of the Constantine

DN CONSTANTIVS NOB CAES

RIC 71a (VIII, Antioch)

B3, O07, R05, T14, M03 Exe: SMAN`