Constantius II Solidus, Roma (RIC VIII Heraclea 81)

Obverse

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

Catalog Reference

RIC VIII Heraclea 81

Ruler

Constantius II

Denomination

Solidus

Date

351 AD-355 AD

Mint

Heraclea Thracica

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

diademed

Obverse

FL IVL CONSTAN-TIVS PERP AVG

Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right

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 prow

About This Type

This RIC VIII Heraclea 81 is a solidus of Constantius II (351 AD-355 AD), struck at the Heraclea Thracica 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 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 Heraclea Thracica Mint

Heraclea Thracica (modern Eregli, Turkey) was a late Roman mint established during Diocletian's reform, producing coinage from the late third through the mid-fifth century.

All Constantius II coins Heraclea Thracica mint All Solidus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC VIII Heraclea 81?: RIC VIII Heraclea 81 is a Gold Solidus of Constantius II (351 AD-355 AD) struck at the Heraclea Thracica mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC VIII Heraclea 81.
How do you identify RIC VIII Heraclea 81?: The obverse depicts Bust of Constantius II, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right 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 prow with the inscription GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE. Portrait type: diademed.