Constantius II Solidus (RIC VIII Thessalonica 149)

Obverse

Classical Numismatic Group, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC VIII Thessalonica 149

Ruler

Constantius II

Denomination

Solidus

Date

350 AD-355 AD

Mint

Thessalonica

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

draped

Obverse

D N CONSTANTI-VS NOB CAES

Bust of Constantius Gallus, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right

Reverse

GLORIA - REI - PVBLICAE

Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a wreath inscribed VOT/V/MVLT/X; Roma holding spear in left hand; Constantinopolis holding sceptre in left hand, her right foot on prow

About This Type

This RIC VIII Thessalonica 149 is a solidus of Constantius II (350 AD-355 AD), struck at the Thessalonica mint. The reverse depicts Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a wreath inscribed VOT/V/MVLT/X; 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 Thessalonica Mint

Thessalonica (modern Thessaloniki, Greece) operated as an imperial mint from the late third century. It was a key Balkan mint serving the military needs of the Danube and eastern frontiers.

All Constantius II coins Thessalonica mint All Solidus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC VIII Thessalonica 149?: RIC VIII Thessalonica 149 is a Gold Solidus of Constantius II (350 AD-355 AD) struck at the Thessalonica mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC VIII Thessalonica 149.
How do you identify RIC VIII Thessalonica 149?: The obverse depicts Bust of Constantius Gallus, bareheaded, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription D N CONSTANTI-VS NOB CAES. The reverse depicts Roma, helmeted, draped, enthroned front, and Constantinopolis, draped, enthroned left, head left, supporting a wreath inscribed VOT/V/MVLT/X; 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: draped.