Follis - Arcadius VIRTVS EXERCITI, Antioch

発行体 Eastern Roman Empire (Rome)
年号
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 1 Follis / Nummus (1⁄180)
通貨 Solidus (330-476)
材質 Bronze
重量 4.11 g
直径 12 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き Medal alignment ↑↑
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 RIC X#63E , OCRE#ric.9.anch.63E
表面の説明 Bust of Arcadius, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed, right.
表面の文字体系 Latin
表面の銘文 D N ARCADIVS P F AVG
裏面の説明 Emperor standing left, head right, holding spear and resting left hand on schield. Victory holding palm branch in left hand, crowns him.
裏面の文字体系 Latin
裏面の銘文 VIRTVS E-XERCITI ANTS
Rough
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND ANTS - 2nd officina -
Numisquare ID 5863851390
追加情報

Historical Context: Arcadius (395-408 AD) was the first Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire after the definitive division of the Roman world. Struck at Antioch, this Follis reflects the economic and propaganda efforts of the nascent Eastern state. The VIRTVS EXERCITI (Valor of the Army) reverse was a crucial imperial message during a period of barbarian pressures, asserting military strength and legitimacy. Arcadius's reign in the East, while the West declined, laid foundations for Byzantine stability.

Artistry: The artistry reflects the late Roman imperial style, moving from classical naturalism towards abstract, symbolic representation. Engravers, though anonymous, emphasized hieratic depictions conveying imperial authority. The obverse features a diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust of Arcadius, often with simplified, large-eyed features typical of the era. The reverse symbolically depicts the emperor, holding a standard and globe, triumphing over a captive, a potent visual metaphor for military victory.

Technical/Grading: This bronze coin, at 4.11 grams and a diminutive 12 millimeters, presents specific technical considerations. Such a small flan for a "follis" (more akin to a nummus module) often results in a less complete strike, particularly on outer legends and finer details. High points for evaluation include Arcadius's diadem and facial features, and the emperor's head, standard, and captive. Collectors should seek clear definition in these areas, as centering and surface preservation can vary.

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