How do you identify RIC VIII Antioch 170?

The obverse depicts Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, wearing crested and diademed helmet, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear diagonally over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with a horseman trampling an enemy in left hand with the inscription FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG. The reverse depicts Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XXX/MVLT/XXXX; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow with the inscription GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE. Portrait type: diademed.

Constantius II Solidus, Roma (RIC VIII Antioch 170)

Obverse

CNG, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC VIII Antioch 170

Ruler

Constantius II

Denomination

Solidus

Date

355 AD-361 AD

Mint

Antiocheia Syria

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

diademed

Obverse

FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG

Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, wearing crested and diademed helmet, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear diagonally over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with a horseman trampling an enemy in left hand

Reverse

GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE

Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XXX/MVLT/XXXX; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow

About This Type

This RIC VIII Antioch 170 is a solidus of Constantius II (355 AD-361 AD), struck at the Antiocheia Syria mint. The reverse depicts Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XXX/MVLT/XXXX; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow.

About the Solidus

The solidus was the gold coin of the late Roman and Byzantine empires, introduced by Constantine I around 309 AD at 4.5 grams. It maintained its weight standard for over seven centuries, making it one of the most stable currencies in history.

About the Antiocheia Syria Mint

Antiocheia (modern Antakya, Turkey) was one of the major eastern mints, operating from the Seleucid period through the late Roman Empire. It produced large volumes of silver and bronze coinage for the eastern provinces.

All Constantius II coins Antiocheia Syria mint All Solidus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC VIII Antioch 170?: RIC VIII Antioch 170 is a Gold Solidus of Constantius II (355 AD-361 AD) struck at the Antiocheia Syria mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC VIII Antioch 170.
How do you identify RIC VIII Antioch 170?: The obverse depicts Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, wearing crested and diademed helmet, cuirassed, facing front, holding spear diagonally over right shoulder in right hand and shield decorated with a horseman trampling an enemy in left hand with the inscription FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG. The reverse depicts Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a shield inscribed VOT/XXX/MVLT/XXXX; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, resting right foot on prow with the inscription GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE. Portrait type: diademed.