How do you identify RIC VIII Constantinople 95?

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, her right foot on pr with the inscription GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE. Portrait type: diademed.

Constantius II Solidus (RIC VIII Constantinople 95)

Obverse

Unknown, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC VIII Constantinople 95

Ruler

Constantius II

Denomination

Solidus

Date

351 AD-355 AD

Mint

Constantinople

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, her right foot on pr

About This Type

This RIC VIII Constantinople 95 is a solidus of Constantius II (351 AD-355 AD), struck at the Constantinople 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, her right foot on pr.

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 Constantinople Mint

Constantinople (modern Istanbul) became the principal mint of the eastern Roman Empire after its foundation in 330 AD. It remained the dominant mint for gold coinage throughout the Byzantine period.

All Constantius II coins Constantinople mint All Solidus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC VIII Constantinople 95?: RIC VIII Constantinople 95 is a Gold Solidus of Constantius II (351 AD-355 AD) struck at the Constantinople mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC VIII Constantinople 95.
How do you identify RIC VIII Constantinople 95?: 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, her right foot on pr with the inscription GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE. Portrait type: diademed.